Public servant accused of threatening ex-partner with napalm, pipe bomb and sharing intimate images

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged domestic violence.

A public servant from Canberra was refused bail after being accused of assaulting and repeatedly threatening his ex-partner, including with a pipe bomb.

It is alleged the man, aged in his 40s but who legally cannot be named, committed numerous offences against the woman over six months between January and July 2024.

Police allege that on Wednesday (24 July), he sent her a photo with an image of a pipe bomb and threatened to use it against her that night.

He also allegedly sent her many other kinds of texts and threats of harm or death, the ACT Magistrates Court heard.

For instance, he allegedly threatened to send intimate images to her family and threatened to kill her with napalm.

Early on Thursday (25 July) morning, members of ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit, Tactical Response, the Bomb Response team and Police Negotiations team went to his home.

Police allege he was arrested after a short negotiation and then taken to the ACT Watch House before facing court later that morning and applying for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.

His defence lawyer said he did not know where the woman lived.

He worked full-time and was concerned that if he were remanded in custody, he would lose his job in the public service, which would mean he couldn’t meet his mortgage repayments.

The prosecutor argued the court could have little confidence that the man would comply with bail conditions.

Magistrate James Lawton said the allegations suggested an escalation in the nature of messages that had been sent to the woman.

He was satisfied there was a likelihood of the man allegedly engaging in further offending if released and refused bail.

The man closed his eyes, shook his head and put his head in his hands when he was refused bail before he could be seen muttering something while being led out of the courtroom by corrective officers.

He had been charged with using a carriage service to harass, threatening to distribute an intimate image, threatening to inflict grievous bodily harm, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, making a threat to kill, driving dangerously and assault.

He will face court again next month. No pleas were entered.

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.