Man to face trial over alleged attack on woman after beach dog dispute

A man who allegedly violently assaulted a woman on a beach on the Sunshine Coast has been committed to stand trial. Police allege Thomas Keys, 30, caused grievous bodily harm to 60-year-old Kathy McKenzie during an alleged attack at Peregian Beach in April 2025. The incident occurred when Ms McKenzie confronted Mr Keys about his dog running off-leash on a dog-free beach, telling him it was not allowed. Police allege Mr Keys tackled her to the ground, causing her serious injuries. Ms McKenzie suffered a spinal fracture, a brain bleed, severe concussion, five broken ribs, a complex foot fracture, and a lacerated liver. Kathy McKenzie was hospitalised with serious injuries after the alleged attack. (Supplied: John Mummery)Four witnesses, including Ms McKenzie, were cross-examined during a committal hearing at Maroochydore Magistrate Court on Wednesday. Dog dispute sparks incidentThe court heard Mr Keys was walking up the beach and throwing a stick to his dog. Ms McKenzie yelled out, "Hey buddy, it’s a dog-free beach" before throwing the stick away when it landed near her, the court heard. Mr Keys's barrister Penny White asked Ms McKenzie about her recollection of the incident. "Do you remember how long between hearing the grunt and feeling the hit?" Ms White asked. "No," Ms McKenzie said. Kathy McKenzie was walking alone on Peregian Beach when the alleged attack took place. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Owen Jacques)Doctor Olivia McNeil, who treated Ms McKenzie at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, told the court Ms McKenzie did not require surgery. "In my clinical judgement, the combination of the injuries had the potential to be quite serious and life-threatening," she said. Ms White argued there was "no case to answer" for the charge. "My submission comes down solely to the medical evidence … the evidence does not reach that standard [of grievous bodily harm]," she told the court. "The doctor in her evidence at various points said it was grievous bodily harm and at other points said it wasn't." Magistrate Chris Callagahan disagreed. The alleged attack happened on Peregian Beach. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Owen Jacques)"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," he said. Mr Callaghan said "the evidence is sufficient" to proceed to trial. Outside court, Ms McKenzie said she felt "so relieved". "I know there's still a long way to go yet, but at least this first step is done," she said. Kathy McKenzie and her husband John Mummery outside court."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. His bail conditions were changed and he now has to report to Coolum police station once a week, instead of three times a week. He declined to comment outside court.