Clayton Donald Hatch: Man faces ‘significant’ domestic violence charges after allegedly choking and hitting ex

A man on protective bail conditions has allegedly broken into his former partner’s home, choked and hit her while young children were home. Clayton Donald Hatch, 32, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Wednesday from custody on new charges of aggravated threats to kill, aggravated stalking, aggravated home burglary, impeding another person’s breathing, aggravated assault causing bodily harm and two counts of breach of bail. He did not enter pleas in court and did not apply for bail. Outside court, Geraldton police allege he was previously in a relationship with a woman and attended her address at 12.30am on Tuesday morning. Police allege he gained access to the home and assaulted her while young children were in the home. He was arrested while still inside the home. In court, magistrate Matthew Walton noted they were “significant charges” and asked the accused if he would get a private lawyer or apply for representation through the Aboriginal Legal Service, to which he replied “I don’t know at the moment”. Mr Hatch is next due to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 14. Mr Hatch turned to two men sitting during the appearance and asked if he would “get a smoke” before he was taken back into custody. Bail was not considered. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)