WA Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges in Perth Arrest
Officer pleads not guilty to assault during Perth arrest

A young Western Australian police officer has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations he assaulted a woman during an arrest operation in Perth.

Court Appearance and Charges

Constable Ethan James Drake-Brockman, aged 23, appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Friday, December 19, 2025. He is facing two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on January 17, which prompted an internal investigation by the WA Police Force.

Officer Stood Down Pending Outcome

Following the internal probe and the laying of charges, Mr Drake-Brockman has been stood down from operational duties. This is a standard procedure for officers facing serious criminal allegations. He was released on bail following his court appearance and is expected to remain off active duty while the legal process unfolds.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The case is now progressing towards a trial. The constable is scheduled to front court again on February 6, where a date for his trial will be allocated. The February hearing will be a critical step in determining the future course of this case, which has drawn attention to police conduct during arrests.

The alleged assault is said to have taken place in Perth's western suburbs, though specific location details were not disclosed in court documents. The WA Police Force has confirmed the internal investigation is now part of the broader legal proceedings.