Former Darwin councillor and photographer Paul Arnold released on bail

A sitting Darwin councillor allegedly stalked, assaulted and abused a woman over a nine-month period, a court has heard. Find out why he was granted bail.

Paul Stuart Arnold, 51, appeared before Judge Alan Woodcock via a video link to Darwin Correctional Centre on Monday. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

A former Darwin councillor accused in court of a nine-month-long campaign of abuse, assaults and stalking has been released from prison on bail.

Paul Stuart Arnold, 51, appeared before Judge Alan Woodcock via a video link to Darwin Correctional Centre on Monday.

After six days in custody Arnold was released on bail, strapped with an electronic monitoring device.

The former councillor and professional photographer was sensationally arrested from his Smith St Mall gallery on Tuesday June 13.

Weeks after Arnold suddenly resigned as a Lyons Ward councillor, citing mental health issues, the 51-year-old was charged with three counts of breaking a domestic violence order and unlawful stalking.

The former councillor and professional photographer was sensationally arrested from his Smith St Mall gallery on Tuesday, June 13. Picture: Che Chorley

The former councillor was later charged with multiple counts of property damage, aggravated assaults and deprivation of personal liberty.

The allegations span a nine-month period with the first property damage and assault charge dating back to August 2022.

The courts previously heard the councillor feared he would go bankrupt from a prolonged remand period, particularly as his gallery was expanding and being renovated.

Mr Woodcock said he was not allowed to contact his alleged victim, and would be excluded from certain areas of the Greater Darwin region.

Arnold was bailed to return to Darwin Local Court on July 31.

An application to vary his domestic violence orders will also be heard alongside the criminal case.