Father accused of choking partner while she held their baby

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.

A man was seen sobbing in court after he was arrested for allegedly choking his partner while she held their 11-month-old baby.

The 23-year-old, who isn’t named to avoid identifying his partner, was handed charges of assault and choking when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday (15 April).

It was alleged the pair got into an argument on Monday (14 April) before he pushed her in the chest, grabbed her around the throat and pushed her onto a mattress on the floor.

All of the alleged assaults occurred in the presence of their child and the woman was allegedly holding the baby when the man choked her.

The man applied for bail, which the prosecutor opposed.

His lawyer, Alyssa Zanardo from Legal Aid, said he leased a home in Canberra but could reside in NSW with his mother if he was granted bail.

He worked as a tradesman, and his lawyer said if he were remanded in custody, he would lose his house, his job and his ability to support his family.

Special Magistrate Sean Richter told the man he would give him “a little piece of advice” as he was at “the beginning of what will be a marathon, not a sprint”.

He said if the man was able to have a respectful ongoing relationship with his child’s mother, then when he turned 18, “you’ll be at the pub with him”.

“Half of that’s because they love you and half of that’s because they want you to pay,” he said.

“If you can be respectful towards her, you can secure a long-term future with your child.

“If you can’t, I can tell you it will go the other way.”

The man was seen sobbing when the magistrate was speaking to him.

Special Magistrate Richter ultimately granted bail on conditions that the man not contact his partner except in writing regarding their child, live with his parents in NSW and not enter the ACT except for legal purposes.

The matter was adjourned to May. 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.