A police officer with the AFP has been granted bail over allegations of assault and damaging property. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.
A police officer with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) was seen sobbing heavily in court as he applied for bail after being arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife in front of their two young children.
The officer, who is not named to protect his family’s identity, allegedly assaulted his wife and damaged a bedroom wall and wardrobe at their home in northern Canberra on Monday (18 August).
The ACT Magistrates Court heard it alleged he was drunk at the time, committed the offences in front of his two young children, left blood on the walls and barricaded himself inside while locking his wife out of their home.
It is alleged police arrived to find him heavily intoxicated with the two small children in his arms.
He was handed one count of assault and two counts of damaging property when he faced the Magistrates Court later on Monday and applied for bail.
His lawyer, Sam Collett of Legal Aid, said his client had worked in the region as a police officer with the AFP for the last five years.
He said alcohol had perhaps played a role in the allegations and his client could abstain from consuming it.
Mr Collett said his client had no prior criminal history and his wife had reported she was not afraid for her safety if he returned to her home, although that was not what was proposed if he was granted bail.
It was proposed that he stay in a hotel instead.
The prosecutor opposed bail, saying that as a police officer, he was aware of how legal proceedings worked and perhaps of the steps he could take to interfere with the investigation.
Magistrate Jane Campbell said while there were some concerning elements to the allegations, especially involving the presence of young children and how the officer’s wife was locked outside, there was nothing to suggest he wouldn’t comply with bail conditions.
She also said she thought it was unlikely that he would be allowed to continue in his employment.
Magistrate Campbell thought the officer had a strong motivation to ensure he complied with bail conditions as “he has a lot to lose”.
She granted bail on conditions including that he not contact his wife except in writing regarding their children, not approach her, not drink alcohol and undergo breath testing when required.
The matter was adjourned to September. No pleas were entered.
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.
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