A Canberra medical professional is facing serious family violence allegations after being accused of choking his child and pursuing them around their home with a bat.
Violent allegations in court hearing
The ACT Magistrates Court heard disturbing details on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, where prosecutors described the doctor allegedly grabbing his child by the throat with sufficient force to leave visible scratch marks on their neck.
The court was told the father had to be physically prevented from chasing his child through the house while holding a bat, painting a concerning picture of domestic violence.
Despite pleading not guilty to one count of intentionally and unlawfully choking, suffocating or strangling another person, the prosecution argued the incident represented a pattern of controlling behaviour rather than an isolated event.
Bail granted despite prosecution objections
Magistrate James Lawton acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but granted the doctor bail, noting his clean criminal record prior to these charges.
The prosecution strongly opposed bail, with the prosecutor stating, "This was a violent choke" and expressing concerns about the doctor's "willingness to assault his child."
Prosecutors raised specific worries about the power dynamic between the doctor and his child, suggesting the victim might feel pressured to withdraw the allegations or be unwilling to provide evidence against their father.
Defence argues for isolated incident
The defence lawyer countered these concerns, describing the event as a "specific incident" that was isolated in nature. He argued there was no indication the doctor would fail to appear in court and that appropriate bail conditions would address any concerns about contact with the alleged victim.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing, with the court hearing that authorities continue to gather evidence in the case.
The doctor is scheduled to return to court early next year to face the family violence charge, which has drawn significant attention to issues of domestic violence within professional households in the Canberra community.
