A prominent Perth doctor accused of assaulting his wife has taken a leave of absence from his job after losing his legal bid to keep his identity secret.
St John of God Midland Hospital medical director Dr Anthony Bell allegedly attacked his partner, well-known human rights lawyer Rabia Siddique, in Mount Pleasant on April 27.
Human rights lawyer Rabia Siddique and husband, Perth doctor Anthony Bell.
During his first appearance in Fremantle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, he was granted a temporary suppression order in an attempt to avoid publicity, however on Wednesday the court ruled he be subject to open justice.
Bell unsuccessfully argued the publication of his identity would “ruin” his career and affect his reputation at the hospital.
He also claimed his wife had “expressed a desire to ruin his life” after the pair separated and had connections in the media which he suspected had led to a journalist already contacting his employer.
He also pointed to Western Australia’s health staffing crisis and argued one less doctor in the system would only worsen the situation if he were to temporarily step-down.
Magistrate Adam Hills-Wright said while publicity could cause embarrassment to an accused person, Bell’s case was not exceptional enough to warrant a suppression order.
Bell is charged with one count of aggravated assault and denies the allegations.
He and Siddique married in 2020. The prominent lawyer and humanitarian was a finalist in WA’s Australian of the Year Awards in 2015 and led hostage negotiations to free British soldiers in Iraq in 2005.
In a statement, St John of God Midland said it had recently become aware of the domestic violence court matter.
“Whilst it is not a workplace matter, we take any allegations of violence and aggression very seriously and do not condone violence or abuse in any form,” it said.
“As the matter is now before the courts, and following the principles of natural justice, we will not be providing further information at this stage.
“Dr Anthony Bell is taking a leave of absence until the court proceedings are finished.”
A statement from Siddique on Wednesday said she was “distressed” to hear the allegations against her in court on Monday.
“I attempted to be heard to respond to the allegations, but was denied the opportunity,” the statement read.
“I then prepared an affidavit refuting the allegations. The affidavit was not provided to the magistrate.
“I am seeking legal advice in relation to this matter.”
A date for Bell’s trial will be set next month.
Nine News Perth