Man drove girlfriend off Collie bridge, court told

A 20-year-old South West man faces the prospect of life imprisonment after he was charged with the attempted murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend yesterday.

Daniel Grazier was refused bail in the Bunbury Magistrate's Court this morning when he appeared on one charge of attempted murder.

Police prosecutor Warick Walker told the court Mr Grazier had grabbed the steering wheel while his girlfriend was driving in Collie yesterday and plunged them both into the river.

Mr Grazier called out in court that he was "not guilty" but is yet to make a formal plea.

Sgt Ward said the couple had been going out for only one month and were arguing about their relationship while driving.

"The accused was the front passenger... he had said I'll take (you) out in the bush and kill you... I'll kill us both because I love you," he said.

"He then grabbed the steering wheel and pulled it sharply to the left, the vehicle became airborne and then went nose-first down the embankment into the river."

Grazier was arrested at Collie Hospital.

Defence lawyer Derek Hunter indicated his client would plead not guilty and said he would contest key facts alleged by the prosecution.

Mr Hunter said Mr Grazier had grabbed the steering wheel to steady the car, after his girlfriend took both hands from the wheel during a heated argument.

Mr Hunter said his client had gone back into the river, and dived down to free his young girlfriend.

Mr Grazier wept in court while explaining his grandmother had died this week and he wanted to be released on bail to be with his family.

Bail was denied and Mr Grazier has been remanded in custody to reappear on Monday November 19.