Court hears of moments a Gairdner man allegedly terrorises woman with axe

A 30-year-old Gairdner man who allegedly assaulted a woman and threatened to kill her with an axe has denied the allegations.

Steven James Marsh appeared in the Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, and his lawyer said he would be pleading not guilty to one count of aggravated assault causing bodily harm and one count of endangering the life, health or safety of a person.

Police prosecutor Sgt Mike Russell told the court the alleged attack took place about 3am on September 20 outside a house in Albany.

“The accused grabbed the victim out of a car and started to verbally abuse the victim,” Sgt Russell said.

Police allege Mr Marsh told his victim “I’ll slice you with this and put it in your head” while he held an axe over his head.

Mr Marsh took the victim into the home, where he apologised in the lounge room area, Sgt Russell told the court.

However, it is alleged Mr Marsh then put his arms around her neck, preventing her from breathing properly.

“When the accused let go, she was nearly unconscious,” Sgt Russell said.

“The accused dragged the victim into the kitchen and proceeded to punch her in the vagina area.”

Mr Marsh pleaded guilty to separate offences that happened in Katanning, including possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia, no authority to drive, and speeding.

For those charges, Marsh was fined a total of $1150.

Magistrate Raelene Johnston said the Albany charges were “extremely concerning”.

The accused is due back in the Albany Magistrate’s Court on January 14.