Canberra Jury Convicts Man of Assault Despite Victim’s Withdrawal

A Canberra jury has convicted a man of violently assaulting and choking his partner, even though she later withdrew her complaint, stating her injuries were accidental. The 43-year-old was found guilty of two counts of aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm and of choking the woman unconscious during an incident last July.

The court was told that the assault occurred after the woman returned home late in the evening following a night out drinking with friends. Police body-worn camera footage captured the details of her initial complaint, which described the events leading to her injuries.

Despite her withdrawal of the complaint, the jury’s verdict reflects their assessment of the evidence presented during the trial.