The man has been handed two counts of assault and one count of making a threat to kill. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARING: This article refers to alleged family violence and sexual assault.
A magistrate has warned a man accused of threatening to kill his ex-partner and sexually assault their grandchild about making “vile” and “misogynistic” comments.
The man, aged in his 50s but not named to protect his ex-partner’s identity, has been handed two counts of assault-related charges and one count of making a threat to kill.
He spent three weeks in custody after his arrest before applying for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday (15 April), which was opposed by the prosecution.
He allegedly threatened he would kill his ex-partner and rape their grandchild, assaulted his ex, then later assaulted a police officer, the court heard.
“Not true,” the man said when the allegation regarding his grandchild was aired in court.
Special Magistrate Sean Richter said the matter involved “nasty allegations” of “pretty concerning threats”.
The man’s lawyer argued that what his client was alleged to have said, if proved, “was just hot air in the context of a verbal argument”.
He said his client’s intoxication was a factor at the time of the allegations.
The lawyer said the man, who worked in the disability support sector, posed no threat to his ex-partner, had never been arrested before, and there was no allegation that he had tried to carry out the threats.
Special Magistrate Richter told the man that when he was allegedly making “revolting, vile, misogynistic” comments, it was difficult to know whether he was just “sounding off” or “if you really mean it”.
“It was all said out of anger,” the man said before his lawyer advised him to stop speaking.
“I’m not a violent person. I’m a Christian.”
Special Magistrate Richter granted the man bail on the conditions that he live in NSW, not contact his ex-partner or their child, not drink alcohol, and not be in the ACT except for legal purposes.
“Do not breach your bail,” the magistrate warned him.
The matter will return to court in June. He will plead not guilty to the assault charges.
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.
Well said! View