NSW police charge man with assault and animal cruelty

A man will face court today charged after allegedly striking a dog and assaulting a woman on the Mid North Coast overnight.

Just before 9.30pm (Saturday 26 September 2020), a man attended a fast food restaurant on Bray Street, Coffs Harbour, tying a dog up outside.

A woman parked nearby and approached the man after reportedly seeing him strike the dog in the face and body.

Following an argument, the man allegedly punched the 58-year-old woman in the face, threw her to the ground, and grabbed hold of her throat.

Witnesses intervened and the man released his grip. The pair continued to argue and the again allegedly assaulted the woman, punching her in the face before walking away.

Police were notified with officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attending.

Following inquiries, a 49-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home on Bray Street and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

He was charged with commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, common assault, and intentionally choke person with recklessness.

The man was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court today (Sunday 27 September 2020)

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