A fly-in, fly-out mine worker accused of dousing his girlfriend and her car in petrol then threatening to set them both on fire at a home in Barrack Heights has been granted strict conditional bail after his lawyer challenged the strength of the case against him in court.
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Police will allege Bradley Astill, 32, tried to choke the woman, assaulted her and held a knife against her throat when she turned up at his house on the morning of August 13 to check on his welfare after not hearing from him for several days.
Court documents said Astill allegedly took the woman's mobile phone and wallet and dragged her from the house, prompting her to go and sit in her car for about five minutes in the hope Astill would "calm down".
She told police she then returned to the house, asking him to return her belongings.
Astill allegedly chased her from the house and she took refuge inside her car, locking the door but leaving the window partially down so she could still communicate with Astill.
It is alleged he picked up a nearby jerry can and poured petrol onto the woman's car and through her window, before pulling out a lighter and threatening to set her and the car on fire.
He allegedly yelled at her to leave and went back inside the house.
The woman told police the petrol caused a "burning sensation" on her skin so she got out of the car and used a tap on the front lawn to wash herself off.
Astill allegedly came out of the house again and ran at her with the lighter.
She told police she returned to her car and drove away, saying she feared for her safety.
She reported the incident to police later that day and officers seized her clothing for forensic examination.
Astill was arrested the following day and charged with seven offences including laying down an explosive with intent to do actual bodily harm, intentionally choking, assault, intimidation and being armed with intent.
He was remanded in custody at the time, however sought bail in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.
Defence lawyer Tim McKenzie argued the case against Astill was not as strong as it may appear, noting the police fact sheets were silent on whether investigating officers had detected any smell of petrol on the woman's clothing or in the car when they spoke with her.
He also suggested her actions in not leaving the scene immediately after the initial alleged attack - then getting out of her car after the alleged petrol incident - was inconsistent with someone who had just been "horrendously assaulted".
In seeking Astill's release on bail, Mr McKenzie said his client could live out of the Illawarra and would agree to forfeit a sum of money to ensure he complied with his bail conditions.
However, police opposed Astill's release, saying even if the most serious offences were not proven, he was still facing a jail term if convicted of the assault allegations.
The prosecutor said Astill was already on bail for domestic violence matters involving the same woman and had previous convictions for intimidation.
Magistrate Claire Girotto acknowledged the lack of detail before the court, saying the police fact sheets "as they presently stand, have some short comings".
She granted Astill strict bail, including a condition that he organise to be fitted with an electronic monitoring bracelet within seven days of his release.
He must also live at an approved address in Campbelltown, report to police daily, abide by a nighttime curfew and no enter the Illawarra unless to attend court.
The case will return to court next month for plea or mention.
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