news, crime

An Australian Federal Police officer faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday after he allegedly drunkenly assaulted his partner in their Canberra home. Peter Oxman, 42, was arrested on Friday night after ambulance officers, who were attending the home to treat the alleged victim, called police. He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Mr Oxman has been stood down from the police force pending the outcome of court proceedings. It was alleged in court that he consumed between 15 to 20 standard drinks before the alleged assault occurred. The police prosecutor said Mr Oxman and his partner of seven years were in bed when she expressed concern over his drinking and told Mr Oxman he wouldn't be able to see the couple's children if he did not stop. It is alleged Mr Oxman then became violent, allegedly grabbing his partner's head and pushing her face into the headboard of the bed. The prosecutor said the victim also alleges she felt Mr Oxman's hands around her neck before she was thrown from the bed onto the floor. The victim had a swollen nose and face and was taken to hospital for x-rays for a broken nose. Mr Oxman's defence lawyer told the court on Saturday his client accepted he had an alcohol problem and that when he drank he drank to excess. The prosecutor said the victim reported Mr Oxman having an alcohol problem for a long time, and a history of aggressive behaviour. The prosecutor opposed bail to protect the safety of the victim, to prevent a risk of reoffending and because of the defendant's position as a police officer it was possible for him to interfere with evidence more easily than a regular citizen. AFP professional standards officers attended the court and confirmed Mr Oxman would be stood down during the court proceedings and would not have access to weapons or evidence. Mr Oxman has been a police officer since 2007 and was a protective services officer for five years prior, the court heard. Mr Oxman was granted bail under strict conditions to accept supervision from ACT Corrective Services, he must reside at a family address outside the ACT, he must not approach or contact his partner or children and cannot enter the ACT except to attend court. He must also not consume any alcohol and will be subject to breath testing while on bail. Mr Oxman began to cry as he agreed to not contact his children. He did not enter a plea. He will return to court in the coming weeks.

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