Ex-cop Rowan Larkin committed to stand trial on assault, stalking, choking charges

The ex-partner of a former Gold Coast police officer has given a harrowing account in court of the alleged domestic violence she suffered at his hands while pregnant. FULL DETAILS

Ex-police officer Rowan Leslie Larkin (left) leaving the Southport courthouse with lawyer Dan Rawlings. Picture: Jessica Paul

The ex-partner of a former Gold Coast police officer has given a harrowing account in court of the alleged abuse and threats she suffered at his hands while pregnant.

Former Queensland police constable Rowan Leslie Larkin is charged with assaulting his then-partner several times between April and August last year at their Pacific Pines home. It is alleged he also stalked her between July 4 and October 18.

He is charged with six counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one each of choking without consent, unlawful stalking, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Larkin sat silently beside his legal team as his ex-partner – the only witness called for cross-examination in his committal proceedings – gave lengthy testimony in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The woman told the court she was about six months pregnant when a seemingly intoxicated Mr Larkin allegedly grabbed her from behind beneath her breasts and squeezed her “really hard”.

She said she suffered a “quite concerning” vaginal bleed that night and had to drive herself and Mr Larkin to hospital for a check-up.

Ex-police officer Rowan Leslie Larkin (left) leaving the Southport courthouse with lawyer Dan Rawlings. Picture: Jessica Paul

The woman claimed she was also left with bruising and scratches on her arm when Mr Larkin grabbed her while her arm was stuck between a door and a closet that same night.

His former partner became emotional as she spoke about another alleged assault on June 30, claiming an intoxicated Mr Larkin threw her to the floor in both their garage and shed, and punched her twice in the face.

The woman said Mr Larkin allegedly kicked her in the side and said, “Don’t be such a f**king drama queen” before she called triple-0.

She said Mr Larkin allegedly threatened to kill her or burn down their house throughout this period, and claimed he told her his police colleagues would protect him instead of her.

“It would depend on his sobriety and drug use,” the woman said.

“At times he could maintain his employment and be apologetic and appear to be a wonderful partner who was trying to recover from his alcoholism and drug use, but … those threats and behaviour would return without warning.”

The woman told the court that in the days leading up to the alleged assault on June 30, Mr Larkin had been drinking heavily and that they were ­trying to check him back into a Currumbin rehabilitation clinic.

She said police had a copy of exchanges between herself and Mr Larkin from July to October.

Mr Larkin’s defence barrister Simone Bain said she had no submissions to make on her client being committed, and neither he nor lawyer Dan Rawlings provided comment on the case outside court.

Mr Larkin was committed to stand trial in Southport District Court. He remains on bail.