A man charged with assaulting his partner – who later died from her injuries in hospital on Christmas Eve – is alleged to have struck her with an axe handle, according to allegations in court documents.
Philip Andrew Hunter has been in custody on remand since his partner, Kristy Louise Hunter, was found with non-life threatening injuries at a property in Currimundi, in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region, last year.
Emergency services were called to an address on Gannawarra St in Currimundi about 4.40pm on December 22, 2024, following reports of a disturbance.
Ms Hunter, 47, was allegedly found at the property with non-life threatening injuries.
She was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment but died two days later.
Kristy Louise Hunter died in hospital on December 24 – a day after she allegedly suffered non-life threatening injuries at a Currimundi property. Picture: Supplied
Ms Hunter’s partner, Philip Andrew Hunter, is charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. Picture: Supplied
Mr Hunter was initially charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and obstruct police but had his charge upgraded to acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm following Ms Hunter’s death.
Police allege in court documents that Mr Hunter, who is originally from Subiaco in Western Australia, unlawfully struck his partner with an axe handle “with intent to do some serious grievous bodily harm”.
Mr Hunter’s occupation is listed in court documents as a “carer”.
He was not brought before Maroochydore Magistrates Court when his matter was briefly mentioned on Monday.
His matter was adjourned to February 24 for a further mention.
In a statement, Queensland Police said further investigations into Ms Hunter’s death were ongoing.
Mr Hunter will return to court in February. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
A post-mortem is yet to be completed.
Red Heart Campaign founder and journalist Sherele Moody made a touching tribute to Ms Hunter after speaking with the 47-year-old’s father at the weekend.
“Kristy should never have survived her childhood – she was born with a congenital heart condition for which she needed lifesaving operations,” Moody said.
“Her mum and dad were told she would not live beyond 12 years old.
“She proved her doctors wrong and continued to thrive, loving horses, her family and her life.”
Moody revealed Ms Hunter was recently diagnosed with cancer and she was “desperate to live and to be there for her daughter”.
“(Ms Hunter’s) child was her world,” Moody said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
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National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
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24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
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Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
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National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
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SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
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Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
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Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
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Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
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Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don’t go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14