Bunbury man accused of domestic violence granted bail on strict conditions despite police concerns

A Bunbury man accused of several serious domestic violence acts has been granted bail on strict conditions despite concerns from police. Derryn Owen Dawson, 40, appeared from custody in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday facing three charges of common assault in circumstances in aggravation and one charge of unlawful assault. The alleged victim of these charges is Mr Dawson’s ex-partner. The prosecution detailed the level to which Mr Dawson is accused of abusing his ex-partner, including earlier this month when he and his then partner were staying at a hotel in Manjimup. Mr Dawson is alleged to have locked her in the room and prevented her from leaving because she “has no friends in Manjimup”. A few hours later he returned and became irate over finding his partner watching television. Mr Dawson allegedly shoved her around the room, dragged her by her neck and said he “left the room because she was in a bad mood” and he was “annoyed she was still in one”. It is claimed he then choked the victim to the point she nearly went unconscious and told her “if only you’d behave yourself, I wouldn’t have to hurt you”. Mr Dawson was not required to enter a plea during the hearing but did apply for bail. There was confusion as Mr Dawson could not remember the occupants of the address he had listed on his bail application, which concerned Magistrate Joanne Andretrich. The prosecution had concerns over letting someone facing serious allegations of domestic assault out on bail, which they said was backed up by concerns from domestic violence support services. Mr Dawson does have prior convictions, but the court was told it was his first time offending in four years. Mr Dawson was granted bail following an adjournment after his counsel was able to convince Ms Andretich that there would be no reason for Mr Dawson to contact his ex-partner. He and his ex-partner are fully separated after nine years together and have no children, with Mr Dawson’s bail address being a considerable distance away from his ex-partner. Mr Dawson was let out on bail on strict conditions and is next due to appear in court on May 20.