A Port Douglas man has today pleaded guilty in the Cairns Supreme Court to charges including stalking, assault, burglary, choking, deprivation of liberty and dangerous driving.

Daniel Rooney, 24, was also facing one charge of attempted murder, which was withdrawn in light of his plea of guilty to the other charges. 

Local media have reported Rooney’s victim was present in court today but was spared the ordeal of having to recount the events of May 18, 2017.

The local chef was originally charged with trying to kill a Port Douglas woman after kidnapping her from her home last year. 

Her ordeal, which lasted about 16 hours, included Rooney strangling her and him driving a car they were travelling in off a cliff on the Kuranda Range.

Rooney’s trial will continue in the Cairns Supreme Court this afternoon.