Geraldton man, 21, faces court after allegedly breaking into ex-partner’s home to hide in roof cavity

A Geraldton man has been remanded into custody after allegedly trying to hide inside the roof cavity of his ex-partner’s house during a series of events police allege were “bordering on serious stalking”. Thomas Arthur Dann was arrested on Monday, and appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court the next day facing nine charges including home burglary, criminal damage, and aggravated assault. Prosecutor Sgt Beau Jones told the court police were called to a service station in Geraldton at midday on June 21 when Mr Dann’s ex-partner sought refuge inside the store after the man allegedly punched her during an argument. “It’s alleged he was yelling abuse at the complainant and gestured he was going to slash the tyres of her vehicle,” he said. Sgt Jones said when police attended and advised the 21-year-old he was under arrest, he fled the scene heading east, and could not be found. Police allege he followed the woman home after midnight on June 27 and entered the unit through an unsecured window when she was asleep. Sgt Jones said the woman allegedly awoke to find Mr Dann standing next to the bed and, when she threatened to call police, he “became enraged”, destroying a wardrobe and smashing a window of her car with a rock before leaving. “Later the same day it’s alleged he gained access to the unit through the same unsecured window and climbed into the roof space,” he said. It was alleged he fell through the ceiling before stealing an iPad and leaving the address. “Police hold significant concerns for her welfare if Mr Dann is given bail,” Sgt Jones said. “His behaviour is escalating and is bordering on serious stalking.” Mr Dann has not been charged with stalking. Defence lawyer Tim Hampson said Mr Dann denied the accusations of violence, and the complainant had invited him to the home. “He was intoxicated at the time, and not behaving rationally,” he said. “We put forward that bail conditions including leaving Geraldton, reporting to police, and attending urinalysis, could address the sergeant’s concerns.” But Magistrate Chris Miocevich denied bail, saying on the face of the allegations, Mr Dann “posed an unacceptable risk” to the woman. “I can think of no conditions to prevent you from reoffending or, in fact, ensure you attend court,” he said. Mr Dann was not required to plead, and will return on July 8.