A 34-year-old man was granted bail in the ACT Magistrate Court after allegedly assaulting his male ex-partner. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.
Bail has been granted to a man accused of hiring a locksmith to break into his ex’s home before assaulting him.
The 34-year-old man from Reid, who isn’t named to avoid identifying his ex-partner, was handed charges of burglary, assault and theft over the allegations.
The ACT Magistrates Court heard the couple’s relationship ended earlier this year before the ex repeatedly told the man to stay away from his home.
But on Sunday (6 July), the man allegedly used a locksmith to gain entry into his ex-partner’s apartment.
His ex was inside at the time and the man allegedly assaulted him and stole $100 cash.
The man was arrested and applied for bail in court on Monday (7 July), which was opposed by the prosecution out of concerns he could endanger the safety of his ex if released from custody.
The court heard the ex was concerned about the man’s escalating behaviour.
The man’s defence lawyer, from Legal Aid, said his main risk factor was his mental health and he had demonstrated insight into this.
After reading the man’s mental health assessment, Special Magistrate Sean Richter said he was concerned for him.
He granted bail with conditions including the man be supervised by Corrective Services, not contact or be near his ex-partner, not consume alcohol or drugs and undergo testing for the substances when required.
“Don’t go there, don’t go near [the ex],” the special magistrate warned the man.
The matter was adjourned to 5 August. No pleas were entered.
Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578. Local support services include the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on 6280 0900, and Victim Support ACT on 1800 822 272 or 6205 2022. If this reporting has raised mental health concerns for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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