Man allegedly attacks partner in moving car, leads police on chase

The 35-year-old man made no application for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Photo: Albert McKnight.

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.

A man has been accused of committing a string of crimes over the Australia Day long weekend, including driving while his partner hung out of the vehicle, assaulting her in the car and leading police on a chase.

The 35-year-old man, who isn’t named to protect his partner’s identity, made no application for bail when he first appeared in court to face his 27 charges on Tuesday (28 January).

An ACT Policing spokesperson said that around midday on Saturday (25 January), police received reports of a man driving erratically in a red Toyota Corolla in Harrison with a female passenger hanging out of the door.

The man also allegedly struck the woman while he was driving before she managed to get out of the vehicle.

Then, at about 11:20 am on Monday (27 January), police allegedly saw the same car in Watson.

The officers directed the driver to pull over, but the driver allegedly failed to comply and drove away from police and onto the wrong side of the road.

When the car was later found in Crace, the driver allegedly tried to flee again and crashed into a parked car during the chase.

The 35-year-old man was then arrested in Palmerston and faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday (28 January) after he was handed 27 charges.

His lawyer told the court he would not apply for bail, and Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker remanded him in custody, then adjourned the charges to 21 February.

He did not enter pleas to his charges, which include two counts of assault and damaging property, as well as single counts of forcible confinement, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, not giving particulars to another driver after a crash and drug driving.

Police have asked for any witnesses who saw the red Toyota Corolla or the man and woman around Throsby or Harrison on 25 January to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Quote reference 796288.

Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578. Local support services include the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on 6280 0900, and Victim Support ACT on 1800 822 272 or 6205 2022.