A Fairy Meadow man allegedly slashed his girlfriend's wrist with a large hunting knife, using the weapon, which was given to him for Christmas, to create a deep wound in her arm, Wollongong Local Court has heard.
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Craig Anthony Brown is accused of swiping the woman's left arm with the knife after a heated argument turned violent at the weekend.
But defence barrister Jane Healey told the court yesterday there were "two sides to every story", claiming the woman had inflicted the injury herself.
She referred to a statement made by the woman's sister, alleging the victim had a history of cutting herself and making malicious claims against Brown.
The pair, who have been in a relationship for nine years, were at the woman's Fernhill home on Sunday night when they allegedly became embroiled in an argument over a mobile phone.
As Brown started packing his things to leave, he demanded to know the location of a hunting knife, which the woman had given him for Christmas, police claim.
Later that evening, the woman went to Brown's home where they started arguing again.
When the woman tried to reach for her phone, Brown allegedly swiped out at her with the knife, striking her wrist.
The pair rushed to Wollongong Hospital but the woman left a short time later without receiving treatment.
Hospital staff contacted police on Monday morning, fearing for the woman's health, and officers organised an ambulance.
While in hospital, the woman allegedly told police Brown was responsible for the injury.
Brown was arrested on Monday.
He admitted he had taken the knife and hidden it in his car as he was worried police would find it and blame him but was adamant the woman had injured herself.
The 44-year-old yesterday pleaded not guilty to wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Opposing Brown's bid for bail, the police prosecutor said there were real concerns for the woman's safety.
Ms Healey emphasised the contradictory evidence and said the woman's injury could be consistent with self-harm. She said Brown would report to police, stay away from his partner and abide by a curfew. Brown was granted strict conditional bail and the matter adjourned to March 5.