A 37-year-old man has been refused bail over an alleged attempted burglary at his ex-partner’s home. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.
A child allegedly saw her security guard father approach the door of her mother’s home with a long knife in his hand before he tried to break into their house.
The 37-year-old man, who isn’t named to avoid identifying his ex-partner, was refused bail when he faced the ACT Magistrates Courts over the allegations last week.
His daughter allegedly saw him approach the front door of his ex-partner’s home with a 35 cm-long knife in his hand on 7 August and announce his appearance, the court heard.
He allegedly waved the knife around outside, then, when the woman closed the door, he rammed it with his shoulder.
He allegedly threw the knife at her car and damaged its side window before leaving.
The man was arrested and charged with attempted burglary, damaging property and possessing an offensive weapon when he faced court on Friday (8 August).
Prosecutor Ahmad Mufti opposed the man’s bail application, saying the allegations showed “a high degree of volatility” by the man.
He alleged that when the woman shut and locked the front door to stop the man getting inside, he tried to deceive her by claiming he was only there to meet his daughter.
That claim was wholly inconsistent with the man allegedly turning up to the home with a knife, he said.
Mr Mufti also said the woman reported she was scared and both her children were also afraid of the man.
The man’s defence lawyer, Donovan Kelso from Legal Aid, said the allegations were concerning, but he argued strict bail conditions could ameliorate the risks of his release.
Mr Kelso said it was clear from the allegations and court reports that mental health was of some concern, but his client had said he was now in a better place after he had received a mental health assessment earlier in the week.
Magistrate Amy Begley said the alleged circumstances of the matter were extremely serious and concerning.
“I have no doubt this would have been a terrifying incident for the complainant in the matter,” she said.
She said there appeared to have been a steep decline in the man’s health and she was concerned about the risk he posed to the woman.
The magistrate refused bail, remanded the man in custody and adjourned the matter to 29 August. 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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