Alleged foetus killing
A MAN accused of attempting to kill his unborn baby by bashing his partner and kicking and jumping on her stomach has been allowed bail.
Ben Thomas Switzer, 35, was released from jail yesterday after applying for bail on 12 charges including attempting to procure an abortion, deprivation of liberty, going armed so as to cause fear, using a carriage service to menace or harass and assault causing bodily harm.
Police alleged that on October 13 last year, Switzer and his partner of 11 years, who was 15 weeks pregnant, became involved in an argument where he accused her of infidelity.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said Switzer began choking the woman before pushing, punching and kicking her.
“He was saying words to the effect...‘You and that baby won't leave here alive',” Sgt Stevens said.
The woman allegedly tried to escape and Switzer grabbed her and pulled her back inside.
“He jumped with both feet on the side of the victim's stomach,” the prosecutor said.
The woman eventually escaped but was forced to have an early induced pregnancy because there was no chance of the baby surviving.
Police also alleged that on December 20, Switzer pulled a knife on the same woman in the street saying: “You fat , ****, I should kill you now.”
Lawyer Matt Messenger said the police case was weak and that it was not conclusive the abortion had occurred as a result of the attack.
Mr Messenger said his client had very little criminal history. Magistrate Mark Morrow granted bail on the conditions Switzer live at a Bargara address, report daily to police and make no contact with the alleged victim.
