Milk crate used in violent in dinner-time domestic

A milk crate was the weapon of choice when a domestic dispute over when dinner would be ready turned violent in the Northern Territory.

Marshall Pamkal admitted to aggravated assault on his partner Margaret Smith in Darwin Magistrates Court, however he disputed the prosecution’s allegation that he hit the victim first.

Prosecutor Jill Goddard said Mr Pamkal and his partner of seven years had gotten drunk together on August 5, when an argument broke out at around 9.30pm.

She said Mr Pamkal had become angry and asked when the food was “going to be bloody cooked.”

“The victim told him the stove wasn’t working… He picked up the milk crate and hit the top of her head,” Ms Goddard said.

The court heard that the victim had become angry, grabbing the crate off the defendant and hitting him in the head with it.

Ms Smith received a 5cm gash on her head which required nine staples to treat.

The case was adjourned until next month.