Rex Martinich
A detective accused of wielding his police-issue firearm as part of an alleged campaign of abusive and violent behaviour has been granted bail.
The detective senior constable with the Queensland Police Service’s Crime Command was charged this week with dangerous conduct with a weapon, enter dwelling and commit offence, and sexual assault.
He was also charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, two counts each of common assault, computer hacking and misuse, distribute prohibited recording, and unlawful stalking.
He faced another count of deprivation of liberty, and one of distributing intimate images.
The 36-year-old appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday via videolink to apply for bail, having spent one night in custody.
He would contest the charges, defence solicitor Calvin Gnech told magistrate Julian Noud.
“He has no criminal history and strong ties to the community,” Gnech said.
But Noud countered that the officer was facing serious allegations and needed to demonstrate that he should not be kept in custody.
“This includes, most concerningly, an allegation that the defendant has removed his police-issued firearm and held it in his hand and raised it to his own temple for a number of seconds while standing in close proximity to the complainant,” the magistrate said.
The allegations of police misconduct were particularly grave, but the case could take years to resolve, he added.
The prosecutor opposed bail, saying: “He is facing substantial time in jail. The case could be described as strong.”
Noud said given the nature of the charges, stringent bail conditions would be needed.
Gnech said his client no longer had access to the police firearm and database he was accused of misusing.
Currently suspended with pay from Queensland Police, he was initially charged with one count of stalking in March, allegedly committed while off duty.
Following that charge, he was investigated further by the Ethical Standards Command and was arrested on Monday on the additional charges.
Police will allege he committed offences over several years, both on and off duty.
Noud ordered his release on bail with the condition he be fitted with an electronic tracking device and face restrictions on social media use.
The case is due to return to court in July.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028.
AAP
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