The husband of a Queensland magistrate didn't go looking for a fight with a neighbouring grandmother he hit with a shovel handle, a court has heard.
David Pirie and son Lachlan have claimed self defence as they face trial over allegations they bashed Jennifer Toohey when a long-running dispute flared into violence on February 14, 2017.
That day the usual verbal abuse between the Gold Coast hinterland neighbours ramped into a physical altercation after Ms Toohey came home playing loud music from a car.
Ms Toohey, 52, says she was on her property and was attacked, with David Pirie striking her with a shovel handle he uses to guard against snakes while walking through bush.
However, the Piries have told the jury the 52-year-old came onto their property with fists clenched.
While giving evidence at Brisbane District Court on Monday, David Pirie said he had not gone looking for a fight but had defended himself.
In the lead-up to the confrontation he was insulted by members of the Toohey family.
Just before they came to blows Ms Toohey screamed a threat, he said.
"I'm going to come over there and bash you to death," Ms Toohey said, according to Pirie.
When police were called to investigate Pirie told them his son was aged 17, which was incorrect.
Pirie denied it was a move to have Lachlan dealt with as a juvenile in any resulting police actions.
"One moment I'm having dinner with my wife, it's Valentine's Day, next I'm caught in this vortex of abuse coming from the house next door which turns into them attacking us," he said.
Pirie continues his evidence on Monday afternoon.
Australian Associated Press
