Ann-Maree Chandler fights domestic violence assault charge

An influential figure in the Aboriginal community and prominent business owner has vowed to fight domestic violence-related assault and intimidation charges.

A Dubbo business owner and influential figure in the local Aboriginal community is fighting to clear her name in court after she was charged with six offences including domestic violence-related assault.

Ann-Maree Chandler, also known as Ann-Maree Blanch in court documents, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Indig Connect owner Anne-Maree Chandler has pleaded not guilty to a string of charges. Picture: Ryan Young

Police allege Ms Chandler, 45, assaulted her former partner Mark Merritt between noon and 1pm on November 23 last year.

Court documents state Ms Chandler is further alleged to have intimidated Mr Merritt and used a mobile telephone to menace, harass or offend him.

She pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic violence-related common assault, intimidation and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

A hearing into the allegations will be held on July 22 at Dubbo Local Court, where Ms Chandler appeared this week after police laid another three charges following an alleged incident which occurred last month.

Police claim Ms Chandler breached an apprehended domestic violence order at Narromine between 2.30pm and 4pm on May 30 — the same day Mr Merritt played a starring role, scoring two tries for the Dubbo CYMS rugby league side in their defeat of the Narromine Jets.

Ms Chandler, the owner of Indig Connect, a business which offers support to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, is also alleged to have intimidated Mr Merritt and caused him to fear physical or mental harm.

Ann-Maree Chandler’s cases return to court in July and November 2021. Picture: Jedd Manning

Police further allege Ms Chandler resisted Senior Constable Melinda Brown in the execution of her duty.

Ms Chandler was charged with intimidation, resist police and breaching an ADVO.

When she fronted court to request another hearing for the most recent three charges, Magistrate Gary Wilson set November 29 as the hearing date.