Woman accused of driving vehicle at ex-partner, two children in Manuka

The woman appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (5 July) accused of family violence offences. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A 34-year-old Forrest woman has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment after being accused of a number of family violence offences.

Police alleged the woman drove at her ex-partner, his sister and two young children as they crossed Murray Crescent in a “deliberate attempt to strike them” at about 11:40 am on Sunday (30 June).

It’s further alleged she also breached a family violence order by “interacting” with her ex-partner and his sister later that day at the same location and again at a Manuka supermarket on Monday (1 July).

The woman was arrested at a Forrest home on Thursday afternoon (4 July).

She has been accused of nine offences: three counts of using an offensive weapon dangerous to a person (family violence), two counts of contravention of a family violence order, two counts of aggravated stalking (family violence), and single counts of dangerous driving and using a mobile phone while driving.

The woman was not formally charged by the courts when she appeared before Magistrate Robert Cook on Friday (5 July).

“The underlying issue here is that I won’t even charge because I don’t know about the mental capacity of the defendant,” he said.

She will re-appear before the courts at a later date.

If you are a victim of family or sexual violence, or believe someone you know is, you can contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or attend any police station.

The following support services are also available:

• ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900
• Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525
• YWCA Canberra 02 6185 2000
• ACT Government family violence services.