Daniel Joseph Preston denied bail over serious assault on former partner after being released from custody

A Rockingham man has been denied bail over an alleged bloody assault on his former partner, which happened in front of their toddler and just hours after he was released from custody. Daniel Joseph Preston, 38, appeared via video link before Rockingham Magistrates Court on November 22 charged with one count of unlawful assault in circumstances of aggravation, one count of impeding breathing and one count of aggravated home burglary and commit. Police prosecutor Sen. Const. Jessica Anderson told the court the alleged offences occurred after Mr Preston received a suspended prison term on September 13 in relation to other charges. Sen. Const. Anderson said the accused was released from custody about 12.30pm and then walked to his former partner’s address, where she and the couple’s two-year-old daughter were at home. Mr Preston allegedly entered the home without the victim’s permission and refused to leave when asked. The court was told the pair argued, with Mr Preston becoming increasingly aggressive. The accused then allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat, pushing her back and headbutting her, causing her to bleed on to the toddler. Sen. Const. Anderson said the victim picked up their daughter and tried to flee in her vehicle parked in the driveway, and Mr Preston followed them, punching the driver’s side of the window as she drove off. When the victim attended Rockingham Police Station to report the incident, officers found blood spattered on the child. Mr Preston’s lawyer Gregory Chin said he was seeking a bail application because the victim had recounted her evidence. But magistrate Linda Keane questioned what else could be imposed to deter Mr Preston from offending. “If a conditionally suspended order wasn’t enough, I can’t see how anything else can be imposed,” she said. Mr Preston was refused bail and will appear in Rockingham Magistrates Court on December 27 for a state committal mention.