Man held knife to ex's throat, court told

By Shannon Tonkin
Updated November 5 2012 - 11:29pm, first published January 5 2011 - 10:18am

A man who allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's home and held a knife to her throat in a jealous rage has been refused bail in Wollongong Local Court.Police say a Facebook photo of the woman posing with another man prompted Robert Edward Wardle, 23, to drive to her West Wollongong home on Tuesday morning, force his way inside and confront her over the pair's relationship.During the fight, Wardle is accused of holding a 19cm-long knife to the woman's throat and threatening to stab her.A second woman in the home alerted police, who turned up to see Wardle's vehicle pulling away from the scene, documents before the court said.The car was pulled over on Mt Keira Rd and a search uncovered the weapon allegedly used in the home, the court heard.Wardle appeared before Wollongong Local Court on seven charges yesterday, including two counts of intimidation intending to cause fear of harm and two aggravated break-and-enter charges.Sergeant Shannon Ryan said the prosecution opposed bail because of Wardle's criminal history, which included convictions for violent crimes and fears for the safety of the alleged victim.The court also heard Wardle was already on bail for another offence at the time of the incident.Legal Aid solicitor Garry Leo said, if released, Wardle would comply with strict bail conditions.He would agree to live at his parent's house in Fairy Meadow, report to police on a regular basis and stay away from Wollongong except to work, Mr Leo said.Wardle's mother also offered to forfeit $2000 should he fail to appear at court.But Registrar Paul Smith said the alleged use of a weapon to threaten physical violence against the victim was "very serious".He said the woman needed to be protected. Wardle was refused bail and ordered to remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 12.

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