Former NT Police officer Mason Hambley fined for choking girlfriend in Katherine

A young police officer has lost a promising career on the front line after pleading guilty to assaulting his girlfriend using a method known to be a ‘risk factor in domestic murders’.

Former Katherine cop Mason Hambley appeared before Judge David Woodroffe in Katherine Local Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to aggravated assault.

A young police officer who choked his girlfriend in a ‘degrading’ and ‘frightening’ attack has walked from court with a fine.

Former Katherine cop Mason Hambley appeared before Judge David Woodroffe in Katherine Local Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to aggravated assault.

The court heard the 22-year-old Northern Territory police officer assaulted and choked his then-girlfriend in Katherine on August 23, 2022.

Hambley was initially charged with aggravated assault and choking, but the strangulation charge — which carries a five-year maximum penalty — was withdrawn.

Details of the assault were not read aloud in the Katherine courtroom, however Prosecutor Helena Blundell called Hambley’s treatment of the young woman dangerous and “degrading”.

“There’s a body of research that talks about the risk factor of men who particularly target throats of women, and apply pressure,” Ms Blundell said.

“It is a known risk factor in domestic murders.

“It is alarming behaviour.”

Ms Blundell said to add to her humiliation, Hambley dropped used chewing gum onto his victim during the attack.

Defence lawyer Ray Murphy said Hambley’s “appalling” behaviour meant the young police officer was left without a career, his partner, and a permanent “stain” on his criminal record.

Mr Murphy said at the time of his offending, Hambley was a police auxiliary licencing inspector, and had just been accepted into the upcoming police recruit constable course.

“He had his whole policing career ahead of him,” Mr Murphy said.

“Given the nature of the offending any career in any police force in Australia is now impossible.”

Mr Murphy said his client had moved to Perth and was now working as a traffic control operator, managing roadworks.

He said Hambley knew the frightening attack on the woman he loved meant he had destroyed their relationship.

“It was the first serious relationship that he’s ever had. In his mind he was looking at spending the rest of his life with her,” Mr Murphy said.

“He has treated someone that he loved in an appalling manner.

“And he’s ruined that, and that’s down to him. And he accepts that.”

Mr Woodroffe chose to record the assault conviction, and fined Hambley a total of $650 inclusive of the victims levy.

“(Domestic violence) is something that has a deep impact on partners, and partners need to be protected,” he told the former cop.