Court told of barbecue 'torture'

AN IPSWICH man tied his partner up with electrical tape and tortured her by poking barbecue tongs in her eyes, an Ipswich court has heard.

Dennis Michael Thompson, 42, allegedly used the tongs, which were a metre in length, to attack the woman by poking her in the face and eyes with it over the course of a day.

Ipswich Magistrates Court was told Thompson had bound her in electrical tape so she couldn't escape during the alleged attack.

The woman received injuries including swelling to the eyes and face.

Thompson has been charged with one count each of torture and deprivation of liberty. The court was told the prosecution would allege the large metal barbecue tool was used as a weapon to threaten and assault the woman.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said electrical tape as described by the complainant was allegedly found at Thompson's home. The offence is alleged to have occurred at Bellbird Park between January 11 and 15.

Thompson, a business consultant, appeared in court on Wednesday and was granted bail. His bail conditions included that he had no contact with the alleged victim. He will next appear on February 8.