A Collaroy man is facing serious charges after allegedly injuring two elderly neighbours during a heated argument over a shirt in a shared laundry room of their apartment complex.
Police Response and Timeline
The incident happened on the morning of June 5 at a unit block in Collaroy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Police say 36-year-old Andrew Jason Cunliff accused a neighbour of stealing his shirt, sparking a heated argument.
The dispute turned physical, leaving a 79-year-old woman in hospital and a 74-year-old man with an elbow injury. Cunliff was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.
Allegations of Aggressive Behaviour
Police say Cunliff first shouted abuse at a 57-year-old neighbour in the laundry room. When the man tried to leave, Cunliff allegedly shoved the door into him, causing him to fall into a 79-year-old woman. She hit her head in the fall, and a second elderly neighbour who tried to help was also pushed, landing on her.
Paramedics treated the woman for a head injury before taking both elderly residents to hospital. In court, police described Cunliff’s actions as aggressive and erratic, which the magistrate called deeply disturbing.
Bail Refused Due to Past Behaviour
Cunliff was refused bail after the court heard about his past breaches and a history of violent and intimidating behaviour. His legal team said he suffers from PTSD and a personality disorder, which may have influenced his actions.
Magistrate Daniel Reiss said the risk was too great to grant release. He called the incident “very disturbing” and pointed to Cunliff’s ongoing issues with conflict in shared living areas. The case will return to court on June 11.
Community Reaction
The incident has raised concern among Collaroy residents, especially due to the victims’ ages. It has sparked discussion about safety and shared living arrangements for older people in the area.
Some neighbours are now reconsidering how spaces like communal laundries are managed. Authorities have urged locals to report disputes early and assured them that support services are available.
Published 6-June-2025