Major-General Michael Krause allegedly assaulted by wife Jacquiline Krause at Woollahra home

The wife of a Major-General at NATO and former high-ranking member of the Australian Army has been charged over an alleged domestic violence incident at their eastern suburbs home.

An eastern suburbs woman told a court she was having a “very tough day” when she allegedly assaulted her retired army-chief husband, with a court since banning her from going anywhere near him when she’s drinking.

Jacquiline Krause was arrested on January 18, after police were called to the Woollahra home she shares with husband Michael Krause, a major-general at NATO and former high-ranking member of the Australian Army, following reports of a domestic violence incident.

Mrs Krause was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault, as a result of the alleged incident, and faced Waverley Local Court for the first time on Thursday.

Jacquiline Krause arriving at Waverley Courthouse. Picture: Richard Dobson

According to court documents the alleged assault occurred between 6.30pm and 7pm, with police arresting Mrs Krause just after 9pm.

Her lawyers told Magistrate Michael Barko she would be fighting the charges under mental health grounds.

However, in an emotional attempt at explaining the allegations to Magistrate Barko, Mrs Krause said she was “going through a tough personal time” at the time of the alleged attack on her husband.

“My brother-in-law had stage four brain cancer,” she said.

Jacquiline Krause and Major General Michael Krause AM Retired in 2019. Picture: John Appleyard

“I had been cooking his final meal. It was a very tough day … I just, I can’t explain it.”

An interim Apprehended Domestic Violence Order was made for the protection of Mr Krause, which banned his wife from assaulting, threatening or harassing him.

She was also banned from being in his presence while drinking or intoxicated.

With the pair still living together, Magistrate Barko issued a stern warning to Mrs Krause.

“Ninety-five per cent of domestic violence allegations arise from alcohol,” he said.

“It’s a common denominator … tread carefully.”

Maj-Gen Krause retired from active service in 2013 but on top of his role with NATO, has a mentoring role with the Australian Defence Forces and is a strategic adviser for Boeing Defence Australia.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return to court in March.