Damien Lyndon Woods: Spencer Park man denies violent attacks on partner, some on bail and with toddler present

A Spencer Park man will fight accusations that he violently attacked his partner several times, including beating her with a metal torch, and punching her in the face while she held their toddler. Damien Lyndon Woods, 41, appeared via video link from Albany Regional Prison on Thursday, July 17 and pleaded not guilty to nine violence and breach offences. Mr Woods was charged with three counts of breaching a police order, two counts of aggravated common assault, three counts of aggravated unlawful assault causing bodily harm, and persistently engaging in family violence. The alleged offences were reportedly committed against his partner and occurred in Spencer Park, Katanning, Lockyer and Albany from June 11-16. Six of the charges occurred after Mr Woods was granted bail on June 13, for sparking a police chase, during which he allegedly drove head-on at officers trying to stop him. The recent spate of offending began on June 11 when, while at home in Spencer Park with his partner and one-year-old daughter, Mr Woods allegedly struck his partner across the legs multiple times with a silver metal torch before later punching her in the face as she held their daughter. The three further assaults stemmed from June 16 in Katanning, when Mr Woods allegedly punched the victim in the jaw after becoming annoyed that she wanted her phone, which he had confiscated from her. After throwing her phone and smashing it, he followed her to where she was sitting outside and pulled her to her feet by her hair. The victim broke free and ran down the street before falling to the ground, where Mr Woods allegedly punched her in the face hard, causing a black eye. On June 12, police issued an order that forbade Mr Woods to contact his partner. He is charged with breaching the order on June 12, 13 and 16. He is also alleged to have persistently engaged in family violence from June 11 to 16. Police prosecutor Sgt Gary Simpson opposed Mr Woods’ defence lawyer Kyah Langdon’s application for bail on the grounds that six of the charges occurred while the accused was already on bail for serious charges. Magistrate Tanya Watt denied Mr Woods bail due to concerns for the victim’s safety. “I’m just not satisfied that there are any conditions, including home detention, that I could impose that would ensure that victim safety, ensure that there was no interference, ensure or prevent reoffending, so I’m refusing bail on that basis,” she said. Mr Woods will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on October 21 for a trial allocation date on the nine matters.