Man to face trial over alleged violent attack at Sunshine Coast beach

A 30-year-old man has been committed to stand trial over an alleged violent attack on a 60-year-old woman at a Sunshine Coast beach in April 2025.

Thomas Keys is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Kathy McKenzie during an incident at Peregian Beach, which occurred when Ms McKenzie confronted Mr Keys about his dog running off-leash on a dog-free beach.

According to police, Mr Keys tackled Ms McKenzie to the ground, causing her serious injuries, including a spinal fracture, a brain bleed, severe concussion, five broken ribs, a complex foot fracture, and a lacerated liver.

During a committal hearing at Maroochydore Magistrate Court on Wednesday, four witnesses, including Ms McKenzie, were cross-examined.

The court heard that Mr Keys was walking up the beach and throwing a stick to his dog, and Ms McKenzie yelled out, "Hey buddy, it’s a dog-free beach" before throwing the stick away when it landed near her.

Ms McKenzie's barrister asked her about her recollection of the incident, and she replied, "No," when asked if she remembered how long between hearing the grunt and feeling the hit.

Doctor Olivia McNeil, who treated Ms McKenzie at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, told the court that Ms McKenzie did not require surgery, but added, "In my clinical judgement, the combination of the injuries had the potential to be quite serious and life-threatening."

Mr Keys' barrister, Penny White, argued that there was "no case to answer" for the charge, citing the medical evidence, but Magistrate Chris Callagahan disagreed, saying, "Clearly to me, she gave evidence that the combination of the injuries, whilst they didn't endanger life, they likely could endanger life, and that in my view fits the legal definition of grievous bodily harm."

Magistrate Callaghan ruled that "the evidence is sufficient" to proceed to trial.

Outside court, Ms McKenzie said she felt "so relieved", adding, "I know there's still a long way to go yet, but at least this first step is done." She also said, "It's been a long road. You can see when people are physically impacted, but you can't see the emotional impact."

Mr Keys will face a trial at the Maroochydore District Court on a date to be determined, and his bail conditions were changed to require him to report to Coolum police station once a week.