Partner assault accused Mervyn Winmar bailed

A 37-year-old Bunbury man has appeared in court for the first time after allegedly bashing his partner with a metal pole while riding in a car with her cousin. Mervyn Aaron Winmar, right, appeared in Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Friday where he was charged with unlawful assault causing bodily harm. It was alleged Mr Winmar was with his 38-year-old partner riding inside her cousin’s car with the partner seated in the front seat and Mr Winmar directly behind her. An argument allegedly ensued over financial issues which allegedly turned physical when Mr Winmar allegedly began punching the woman in the head multiple times. Although the woman tried to defend herself, Mr Winmar allegedly grabbed a yellow metal pole and began striking her with it until the driver pulled over on the side of the road near South Bunbury Primary School. Police say the woman got out of the car and tried to get away from Mr Winmar who allegedly continued attacking her with the metal pole. It was alleged the woman fell to the ground as she tried to get away from Mr Winmar who allegedly struck her head with the pole before kicking her in the groin and stomping on her face before leaving. Police and an ambulance later attended the scene to treat the victim and Mr Winmar was arrested an hour after the incident. In a bail application made on Mr Winmar’s behalf, it was understood the couple had been in a relationship for seven years and there had been no prior incidents of domestic violence between them. It was also alleged Mr Winmar had a limited record of historic bail breaches and it was hard to determine the strength of the case because there was allegedly no statement given by the driver. Despite police concerns for the woman’s safety over the alleged “serious attack with a weapon”, Mr Winmar was granted bail with protective and reporting conditions. The matter was adjourned to June 3 for legal advice.