A Queensland man will face trial over an alleged violent confrontation with a woman at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast in April 2025. The case moved forward on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, after a magistrate ruled there was sufficient evidence for the grievous bodily harm charge to proceed.

The accused, Thomas Keys, 30, is alleged to have assaulted Kathy McKenzie, then 60, after a disagreement about his dog being off-leash on a beach where dogs were not permitted. The allegations were considered during a committal hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

How the dispute allegedly began The court heard that McKenzie was walking alone along Peregian Beach when she saw Keys throwing a stick for his dog. She reportedly called out to remind him that the beach was dog-free.

According to the evidence presented in court, the stick landed near McKenzie, who threw it away. Police allege Keys then tackled her to the ground, causing significant injuries.

The defence questioned aspects of McKenzie's recollection of the encounter and challenged whether the medical evidence met the legal threshold required for a grievous bodily harm charge.

The court was required to assess whether the prosecution evidence was sufficient to send the case to trial, rather than decide whether Keys was guilty.

Serious injuries reported McKenzie suffered a range of injuries, including a spinal fracture, bleeding in the brain, severe concussion, five broken ribs, a complex fracture to her foot and a lacerated liver.

A doctor from Sunshine Coast University Hospital gave evidence about the injuries and their potential severity. The doctor told the court that, although surgery was not required, the combination of injuries had the potential to be serious and life-threatening.

The defence argued that the medical evidence was not sufficient to establish grievous bodily harm. However, Magistrate Chris Callaghan ruled that the evidence was sufficient for the case to proceed to trial.

What happens next? Keys has been committed to stand trial in the Maroochydore District Court. A trial date had not been determined

His bail conditions were also changed. He is now required to report to Coolum police station once a week, reduced from three times a week. He declined to comment to reporters outside court.

McKenzie said she felt relieved that the case had reached this stage, while acknowledging that the legal process was not yet over.

The proceedings will allow a court to examine the evidence in greater detail and determine the outcome. Keys is presumed innocent unless and until the charge is proven.