Concreter fronts court after allegedly punching a pregnant woman in the face inside a police station
A concrete worker is alleged to have punched a young pregnant woman in the face during an altercation at a Queensland police station.
Sunshine Coast man Scott Edwards James-Peck, 31, faced the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He is charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after allegedly attacking Chloe Heath, then 15 weeks pregnant, and her partner following a verbal confrontation.
Audio footage of the June 19, 2022 incident shows Ms Heath’s partner shouted ‘she’s pregnant’ and ‘get off her’ and told his partner to get in the car before Ms Heath also shouted ‘I’m pregnant ‘.
Police then intervened and dispersed the situation, police said The Sunshine Coast Daily.
Tradie Scott Edwards James-Peck appeared before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday
Mr James-Peck was reportedly known to Ms Heath and her partner before the alleged attack.
Mrs Heath said she was three centimeters dilated after the incident and had to take medication to prevent labour.
The mother later had a preterm induced birth at 36 weeks. Her son, who recently turned one, was allowed to leave the hospital after a week in intensive care.
Chloe Heath was 15 weeks pregnant when she reportedly suffered a blow to the head
Mrs Heath after the alleged attack. She later had a preterm induced birth and her son is now one
Lawyer Rod Morgan told the court on Thursday that there was a conflict of interest which prevented him from representing Mr James-Peck.
Mr James-Peck subsequently pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Magistrate Rod Madsen set a hearing for April 29 and ordered a brief of evidence to be prepared.
Mr Morgan said his former client could seek private legal representation before the trial.