Geraldton man granted bail after being charged with assaulting partner despite police concerns

A man charged with assaulting his partner has been granted bail after pleading not guilty. Robert Leslie Jones appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to unlawfully assaulting his partner, causing bodily harm. Mr Jones allegedly threw the woman to the ground during a confrontation at their Sunset Beach home and stamped on her ankle. The woman sought treatment after the incident, and was found to have scratches on her shoulder. Police prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray alleged Mr Jones had warned the woman not to contact police and recommended not granting bail out of concern he would seek retribution against her. It was also alleged Mr Jones had attempted to contact and harass the woman’s children, although no further information could be provided on the matter. Mr Jones said he was acting in self-defence and brought his partner to the ground to restrain her. Mr Jones’ lawyer Xavier Sellathambu said too much of the prosecution’s argument relied on the statement of the alleged victim for bail to be denied. Magistrate Sandra De Maio agreed and granted bail with the condition Mr Jones follow a restraining order preventing him from approaching the alleged victim. Mr Jones will reappear in court on February 9. 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)