A Lake Illawarra man accused of leaving his pregnant partner "covered in blood" after attacking her outside their home has been refused bail.
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Jacob Kofe, 24, appeared at Wollongong Local Court on New Year's Day, charged with assault occasioning actual body harm.
Police documents said Kofe and his partner, who was 24 weeks pregnant, were arguing outside their Lake Illawarra home late on Friday morning over a mobile phone when Kofe allegedly punched her several times to the face and lower abdomen.
The pair went inside for a short time but came back outside, still arguing.
Kofe allegedly punched his partner again, before she was seen to run down the street, bleeding.
She went to the nearby home of a woman, who said the victim was "covered in blood".
She allegedly said "Yes" when the witness said to her, "He did it".
The witness called an ambulance and got a wet cloth to clean the blood off the victim, but when paramedics arrived the woman refused treatment and returned to the home with Kofe.
Police arrived a short time later and spoke to neighbours and witnesses, before going to the couple's home.
The victim told police had had been assaulted by her sister, but refused to provide her sister's details.
They arrested Kofe and took him to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
In court on Saturday, defence lawyer Emel Ozer said Kofe was Indigenous and would be vulnerable in custody.
She said that while his criminal record was "extremely lengthy", Kofe could live with his mother in Minto and conditions could be imposed to reduce any risk, including an order prohibiting him from entering the Wollongong area.
But police prosecutor Sergeant Ashley Jacob said there was a need to protect the victim and the alleged offence happened while Kofe was on bail for another alleged domestic violence matter, against a different family member.
The prosecution had a strong case, she said, and if Kofe was convicted the only appropriate sentence was full-time custody.
Pleading to the court himself, Kofe said it was a new year and he wanted to show he could be a "better man".
Registrar Peter West said Kofe's vulnerability in custody meant he had shown reason to be released on bail, but he was not convinced that any conditions could mitigate any potential risk.
Kofe was refused bail to face court again on January 10.
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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.
