Public Servant Faces Court Over Alleged Assault of Disabled Daughter
A federal public servant will remain behind bars after being accused of choking his disabled 12-year-old daughter in a disturbing domestic violence incident that has shocked the Canberra community. The 52-year-old man, whose identity has been suppressed to protect his alleged victims, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 28, where his bail application was refused.
Allegations of Violence Against Vulnerable Child
The court heard detailed allegations about the man's conduct toward his non-verbal daughter, who has a disability. According to police documents presented to the court, the incident began when the father became angry with the 12-year-old girl for having his mobile phone. He allegedly pushed her, causing her to fall backward within their family home.
The situation escalated dramatically when the man is accused of placing his hand around the child's neck for approximately ten seconds, causing her to gasp loudly for air. The alleged choking incident was witnessed by the girl's teenage sister, who immediately intervened to protect her younger sibling.
Sisters' Brave Response to Alleged Attack
Following the traumatic events, the two daughters retreated upstairs and contacted their mother, who was overseas at the time. Acting on their mother's instructions, the girls then called emergency services to report the alleged assault. Their quick thinking ensured that authorities were alerted to the situation promptly.
Magistrate Amy Begley, who presided over the bail hearing, expressed serious concerns about the safety of both children if the accused man were released. "I share the concerns of police and child protection services regarding the welfare of these children," Ms Begley stated during her decision to deny bail.
Broader Investigation Into Family Violence
The court proceedings revealed that the accused man is separately under investigation following reports of family violence made to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This additional scrutiny underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the vulnerable position of the children involved.
Proposed bail conditions had suggested the man could return to the family home where the alleged assaults occurred and where the children continue to reside. Magistrate Begley firmly rejected this arrangement, noting it would pose significant and unacceptable risks, particularly to the 12-year-old daughter who was described as being especially distressed following the alleged attack by her father.
Charges and Ongoing Legal Process
The 52-year-old public servant faces serious criminal charges including one count of choking and two counts of aggravated common assault. These charges reflect the gravity of the alleged offenses and the multiple victims involved in the incident.
The man is scheduled to reappear in court in February, where the legal proceedings will continue. The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence, child protection, and the particular vulnerabilities faced by children with disabilities in abusive situations.
Support services are available for anyone affected by similar issues. Confidential assistance can be accessed through Lifeline on 13 11 14, 1800-RESPECT on 1800 737 732, the ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 6280 0900, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
