A 39-year-old man has been refused bail by the ACT Magistrate Court on four counts of assault. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.
A man sobbed when he heard he would be refused bail for allegedly repeatedly assaulting his partner, including when she was breastfeeding their toddler.
It is alleged the 39-year-old man, who isn’t named to avoid identifying his partner, repeatedly assaulted her in front of their two-year-old child over several hours on Tuesday (6 May).
He allegedly hit her in the head, kicked her in her body and back, and used an item from their home to hit her in the back.
Also, he allegedly struck her in the leg with his hand while she was breastfeeding their child.
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He was arrested and charged with four counts of assault when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (7 May).
“Not guilty, sir,” he replied when he was asked if he wanted to enter pleas.
He applied for bail and his lawyer, Alyssa Zanardo of Legal Aid, said he had no criminal history and recently obtained Australian citizenship.
She said if he was granted bail, he planned to live in temporary accommodation in southern Canberra before finding something more long-term.
The prosecutor opposed bail, alleging coercive control had been a feature of the couple’s relationship.
She alleged the woman hadn’t been able to report previous claims against the man to police, and she was afraid he would return to their home if granted bail.
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Magistrate Robert Cook noted the “unprovoked circumstances” of the alleged assaults and said the court was concerned “there is something going on” between the couple.
He said the circumstances of the allegations gave the court significant concern about the ability of the woman to feel safe and protected, and he did not think the proposed bail conditions could ameliorate the risks.
Bail was refused and the man, who started sobbing when the magistrate was giving the reasons for his decision, was remanded in custody.
The matter will return to court in June.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
