A man who failed to turn up to court to defend an allegation that he recklessly wounded his partner has been granted bail after being arrested on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Matthew Paul Curtis appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Sunday where his lawyer admitted his client could provide no explanation as to why he did not attend court or go to police.
The Bellambi man was required to appear in court on February 5 for his hearing over alleged domestic violence offences.
When Curtis failed to appear, his matter was dealt with in his absence where he was convicted for three charges, with a warrant issued for his arrest.
Curtis had previously pleaded not guilty to a reckless wounding charge and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following his arrest on the night of the incident.
Documents tendered to court by police alleged Curtis and his partner were drinking with her son and his friend on June 20 last year before Curtis became angry about the son wanting to go to sleep, with an argument ensuing about 2am.
The documents alleged the son left the unit before Curtis got angry at the friend and said,"you think you're leaving too?" before he allegedly went into the kitchen and pulled out a 25cm knife.
Curtis allegedly held the knife about 10cm away from the man's face and threatened to "kill" him before Curtis' partner told him to "stop it".
The court heard Curtis began throwing items around the room before again telling the man to "get out" and that he would kill him before he swung the knife near the man's head causing superficial lacerations to his face and ear.
As the man walked towards the front door, the woman went to the bedroom and Curtis allegedly followed her as they yelled at each other.
The man allegedly heard the woman scream "you stabbed me" three times before she walked out, holding the side of her head and bleeding profusely. The man left the unit, and police were called.
Officers arrived a short time later and immediately noticed an injury to the woman's head and blood over her face and clothing.
Officers found Curtis allegedly washing blood from his hands and clothing, with a cut to his hand.
Curtis claimed he fell back on his partner, who then fell over, after the son returned and was trying to kick the door in.
The court heard the woman was hostile and uncooperative, telling police she fell over her dog before she was treated at the scene and taken to hospital for further treatment.
A crime scene was established and police seized a blood-stained knife found under the mattress in the bedroom.
Curtis was taken to the Wollongong Police Station before he was charged. The friend provided a statement to police.
In court on Sunday, Curtis' lawyer Matt Kwan said a full time custodial sentence was not inevitable for the reckless wounding charge.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Pavlin said Curtis had breached his bail in the past and despite his limited record may face a custodial sentence, even if that was not full time.
Curtis was granted conditional bail to reside at Bellambi, report to police, comply with the conditions in the apprehended violence order and not drink alcohol or take drugs unless prescribed by a doctor.
The case was adjourned to March 9.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Subscribe to our newsletters
