Darwin man charged with threatening to distribute partner’s explicit photos

In what has been described as ‘prolonged’ and ‘cowardly’ offending, a man allegedly attacked his partner and threatened to distribute explicit images of her. Read what charges he is facing.

Police are calling for information about seven break ins in Katherine. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly assaulting and threatening to distribute explicit images of his partner.

Police allege the man both physically and sexually assaulted his female partner a number of times since December 2021.

The man is also alleged to have threatened to distribute sexually explicit images of his partner during that time.

He has been charged with sexual intercourse without consent, two counts of aggravated assault and depriving a person of their personal liberty.

Police have also charged him with three counts of breaching a domestic violence order, damage to property and threatening to distribute intimate images.

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Friday.

Officer in charge of the Domestic and Family Violence Section Michael Budge described the man’s alleged actions as “prolonged” and “cowardly”.

“This was a prolonged, cowardly act of violence that was completely reprehensible,” Officer Budge said.

“Domestic and family violence has no place in our community.”

Police urge anyone who is or knows someone experiencing domestic or family violence to reach on 131 444 or in an emergency call 000.

You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Support services are available including 1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732 and Lifeline on 131 114.

Escape car found abandoned in Katherine East

A group of individuals broke into seven businesses, including two government buildings, in Katherine on Wednesday morning.

A Hyandai Staria Load was also stolen from one of the businesses, which the individuals used to smash through a business gate and escape.

The van was seen driving dangerously around the CBD at 2.30am and narrowly missed pedestrians.

NT police used tyre deflation devices in an effort to apprehend the van safely but it was later found abandoned in Katherine East.

Senior Sergeant Warren Scott said the incident was being investigated by Strike Force Cerberus.

“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and Katherine police are working tirelessly to identify and hold the persons responsible accountable for their actions,” he said.

“As a community, we need to stay vigilant with our property, like car keys and jewellery.

“Always ensure that you lock your doors at night or when you are not home to deter opportunistic thieves.

“Always remember to Stop. Look. Lock.

“Police are urging anyone with information on the unlawful entries, or dangerous driving, to make contact on 131 444.

“Please quote reference 10188904.”

Palmerston man charged with serious child sex offences

A 44-year-old Palmerston man has been arrested and charged with child sexual offences, including having sex with a child under 10 and producing child abuse material, after a joint investigation by NT and Federal police.

The man was charged on November 25 with one count of having sexual intercourse with a child under 10, two counts of acts of gross indecency with a child under 10, four counts of indecent dealings with a child under 10, four counts of producing child abuse material, one count of grooming a child under 16 and one count of failing to comply with orders.

A search warrant was executed on October 21 by the NT Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, the Child Abuse Taskforce and the Australian Federal Police where a number of his electronic devices were taken for examination.

Detective Acting Superintendent Justin Bentley said the combined effort of both police forces helped to ensure the man was charged.

“This arrest was the result of extensive work from NT Police and our federal counterparts — The NT Forensic Science Branch provided vital information that assisted investigators in laying these charges,” he said.

The man will face court on January 18.

AFP spokesman Superintendent Mal Bickford said police would continue to work to stop child abuse of any kind.

“Our common goal is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts,” he said.

Man flown interstate with serious injuries after balcony fall

Police are appealing for witnesses to an altercation that allegedly led to a man falling from a second-storey balcony.

The 47-year-old was left with “significant” leg, lower abdominal and potential spinal injuries.

After undergoing surgery in Darwin, he was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

About 5pm on Saturday, police were called to an apartment block on Runge St, Coconut Grove.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said witnesses saw the alleged dispute and the man falling from the unit’s balcony.

“On arrival it turns out there’s been an altercation with another male – a fight between two persons in a room,” Sgt King said.

“An edged weapon was produced.

“As a result a male has fallen from the balcony and landed on the ground.

“Investigations are continuing as to whether he fell or whether he was thrown.”

Police are calling for information on the incident that has left a 47-year-old man in hospital seriously injured. Picture: Annabel Bowles

Police are calling for any witnesses or people with information to get in touch on 131 444.

Sgt King said the other man, aged 27, was arrested after he returned to the building at 8.30pm.

He appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Monday on a charge of assault.

Police believe the two men are known to each other.

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