A Corrimal man who allegedly punched and choked another man after being refused a cigarette has faced court.
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Bradley Thomas Baker, 31, appeared at Wollongong Bail Court on Saturday, charged with aggravated break and enter, common assault, and committing an indictable offence on bail.
Police alleged that on Friday, September 3, Baker was at a Corrimal unit, where he had lived on and off for several years, with the unit's occupant and another man.
Baker was allegedly drinking and asked the resident of the unit for a cigarette, but he said no.
Later Baker again asked for a cigarette and was turned down for a second time, at which point he allegedly walked towards a neighbouring unit and said, "Are you going to snitch on me and call the cops if I break into Chris' unit?"
Baker is accused of opening the screen door of the neighbouring unit before kicking the front door, forcing it open.
He allegedly asked the man inside for a cigarette, who told him he only had one left.
At this point, police alleged, Baker grabbed the man by his jacket and throat before punching him several times to the top of the head, face and chin, while the victim yelled, "Stop, stop, stop".
Baker allegedly took the victim's tobacco and rolled a cigarette, then again grabbed the man by the neck which made it difficult for him to breathe.
After he stopped he tried to light the cigarette with the toaster, but was unsteady on his feet and fell over, knocking over a bin.
The victim took the rubbish outside but when he came back in Baker allegedly punched him and grabbed him by the neck again.
Baker then left the unit, where he was met by police who had been called to the scene.
He was arrested and taken to Wollongong police station, but when he was later offered an interview he allegedly said, "I didn't do sh*t, you guys should do your job".
At the time of the alleged offending, Baker was already subject to an apprehended violence order and had been charged with assault over an earlier alleged offence against the same victim.
On Saturday, defence lawyer Cody Baxter said delay in the matters reaching resolution was a factor that supported Baker's release on bail.
Ms Baxter said the current risk of COVID-19 made custody "quite onerous", especially given Baker would have to complete 14 days in quarantine if he were refused bail.
The court also heard Baker had post-traumatic stress disorder and had appointments in relation to this.
But police prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Biffin said Baker was "very likely" to receive a prison sentence if he was convicted of the offences.
Registrar Tina McKenna agreed, and noted Baker was accused of "very serious offences".
She noted the prospect of delay, but said that the prosecution case appeared strong.
Baker was refused bail to appear at court again on Monday.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
