Adam Jennings refused bail in Albany for alleged assault on partner after being deemed a ‘flight risk’

A 42-year-old man who has warrants out for his arrest in three States and the Northern Territory was refused bail in an Albany last week after allegedly slashing his partner’s fingers, stabbing her phone and punching her in the face. Adam Jennings appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court last Thursday where he made an application for bail after he was arrested by police the night before. He was charged with aggravated unlawful assault causing bodily harm, criminal damage or destruction of property, breaching a family violence restraining order, disorderly behaviour in a police station or lock-up, and obstructing public officers. Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court police opposed Mr Jennings’ bail because he was believed to be a “flight risk”. He had been served a family violence intervention restraining order against the same alleged victim in Victoria in February, Sgt Loverock said. Sgt Loverock told the court Mr Jennings was subject to four outstanding arrest warrants in South Australia, NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory. He said about 8.45pm on August 17, Mr Jennings was with his partner in a room he rented at the Albany Hotel when she told him she wanted to end their relationship. Mr Jennings allegedly started verbally abusing her, becoming agitated and aggressive. It is alleged he then grabbed a “small kitchen knife” and pushed it into his jumper. When the victim tried to take the knife off him, he pulled his hand away, causing lacerations to two of her fingers. Sgt Loverock said Mr Jennings then used the knife to stab the woman’s mobile phone, before punching her several times in the face. The woman gathered her belongings and left the scene in a “highly distressed state”, attending Albany Police Station and Albany Health Campus, according to police. Sgt Loverock said she remained in hospital at the time of the court appearance, and there was a “serious possibility” she would need surgery. Defence lawyer Lucy Bourne said Mr Jennings disputed the allegations and was likely to take the charges to trial. She said her client had been “homeless for a long time” but had recently found a place of stability in Albany. Magistrate Heidi Watson said Mr Jennings had “absconded from numerous different States” with warrants from 2012 to 2022 that had not been dealt with. “He has outstanding warrants ... which suggests he is a high flight risk,” she said. Ms Watson said the aggravated assault charge was a “serious offence” and he could face a prison term if convicted. Mr Jennings is due back in Albany Magistrates Court again on September 1.