A man who allegedly took a baseball bat to a car, smashing its windows, has been charged with assault and damaging property.
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Michael Zeiser, 30, was granted bail in Wollongong Local Court yesterday after he was arrested allegedly trying to run away from his Oak Flats home about 7.30pm on Friday.
Zeiser allegedly jumped over fences before he was located with the help of police dogs about 45 minutes later in a nearby street.
Police arrested him after his partner accused him of arriving at her friend's home on October 22 and smashing the windows of her car with a baseball bat after she told him to leave.
Police allege Zeiser "hook punched" her in the left side of the face when she walked towards him. He left and the woman called police and made a statement. The estimated damage to the car was more than $2000. Zeiser was charged with damaging property and assault.
In court, defence lawyer Danny Lagapodis claimed the prosecution case against his client was "very weak" because the alleged victim retracted her statement to police, stating she had made a false claim and lied about being assaulted.
The woman, who was in court, told Mr Lagapodis she was under the influence of alcohol when she spoke to officers.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Ben Bragger said alleged victims of domestic violence often did not want to proceed with a prosecution case and it was the job of police and the court to protect them.
He also noted Zeiser's criminal record was "atrocious" and said his record suggested he would not follow bail conditions.
Magistrate Claire Girotto noted the case appeared weak and granted Zeiser bail provided his sister offer a $2000 surety and he not contact the alleged victim nor enter Bulli.
The case will return to court on November 25.
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