NSW police charge man with pouring petrol over infant at Wollongong

A man has been charged after allegedly pouring petrol over an infant in the Wollongong area.

Shortly after 8pm yesterday (Tuesday 21 June 2022), police were called to a home in Mount Saint Thomas, following reports of a domestic assault.

Police have been told a 48-year-old woman was at home with a one-year-old girl, when she was verbally abused by a 41-year-old man who was known to her.

It’s alleged the woman took the child into a different room and barricaded the door with a pram, before the man forced the door open and poured petrol on the child.

The man then allegedly followed the woman as she washed the child’s face, before hitting the woman over the back of the head with a glass.

The woman and child left the premises and contacted police.

Officers from Wollongong Police District attended and commenced inquiries. The child was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and did not require hospital treatment.

The man was arrested at the home and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of assault, destroy or damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear etc physical harm.

He was refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Wednesday 22 June 2022).

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