37-year-old man released on bail, charged with raping his wife and assaulting his girlfriend

A man who allegedly raped his wife and bashed his mistress before harassing her by sending messages in bank transfers has been released from custody.

A 37-year-old man accused of raping his wife and bashing his mistress has been released from custody with a number of strict bail conditions.

The man, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of his alleged victims, was granted home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Last month, the court heard the man was charged with assault and property damage relating to his former partner and given a bail condition not to contact her.

The prosecutor said the man allegedly breached the bail condition “at least seven times” by contacting his ex-partner in January.

A 37-year-old man was released on bail, charged with raping his wife and assaulting his girlfriend. Photo: File

The court heard some of the alleged contact included text messages, phone calls, transferring small amounts of money to her bank account with messages and showing up to her house.

The court heard while the man had been in custody his wife also made allegations against him.

“In the time that he’s been in custody she’s now felt safe to come forward and report the abusive relationship,” the prosecutor said.

“The accused has on a number of occasions pursued her sexually while she’s been very adamant that she does not consent to it.”

The prosecutor said the man also allegedly assaulted his wife by throwing a massage ball at her, which caused her to become breathless and left a very large red welt.

The northern suburbs man is also charged with rape, assault and two counts of indecent assault.

The prosecutor said the man had allegedly displayed some “very concerning behaviour” while in custody, including threats to take his own life in front of police.

The prosecutor said they also had evidence the man had access to a firearm.

“After he came into custody there was a search of his house and car, and the dog gave a positive response to the inside of the car,” the prosecutor said.

“Sometime prior to that search occurring his brother has attended at the address and has said that he essentially needs a car part urgently.”

The court heard the man’s brother was given access to the car and police will allege he took the gun.

The prosecutor said the man denied having a relationship with the first alleged victim, but alleged there were text messages proving it.

“They were in a relationship for a period of a number of years whilst he was married,” the prosecutor said.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Simon Smart granted the man home detention bail, with conditions not to contact the alleged victims or attend within 100m of their addresses.

The man is also not allowed to contact SA police or attend at a police facility, except in case of an emergency, and must attend at his GP to complete a mental health care plan.

Mr Smart reminded the man he was on the strictest form of bail and if he breached any conditions, he’d be back in custody.

The charges were adjourned until later this month.