St Mary’s footballer Joseph Salmon arrested on domestic violence offences

A St Mary’s NTFL premiership player and NT rep has been arrested and charged with more than 30 domestic violence offences.

Joseph Salmon In the NTFL Grand Final between Waratah and St Mary's at TIO Stadium. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A St Mary’s premiership player will face court on more than 30 domestic violence offences after being extradited from Victoria where he has been playing footy for the past five months.

Joseph Eric Salmon, 22, appeared in the Darwin Local Court last week following his arrest in Melbourne three days prior.

He was charged with 27 counts of aggravated assault and five counts of deprivation of liberty as well as individual counts of aggravated robbery, making a threat to kill, stealing, property damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, recklessly endangering serious harm and failure to rescue.

It follows an investigation which has been running since at least mid-February when NT Police confirmed they were following up on allegations.

Detectives from the Domestic and Family Violence Unit allege Salmon was involved in “multiple assaults of a woman who was known to him” over a four-month period.

NT Police has been working with Victoria Police throughout the investigations.

Joseph Salmon has been arrested in relation to more than 40 domestic violence offences. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Bentley said interstate borders “will not and do not stop the Northern Territory Police from locating you and bringing you to justice”.

“Domestic and family violence is an absolute scourge to our community and a frequent catalyst to other societal issues,” he said.

“We will do all it takes to hold offenders to account.

“If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including but not limited to, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.”

Salmon had not played with St Mary’s since Round 13 of the 2022-23 NTFL season on January 7 and his last NT appearance was for the NTFL rep side against South Fremantle on January 21.

Salmon received a Rising Star nomination in Round 11 of the 2019-20 season.

He has since been living and playing football in Geelong for North Shore in the Geelong Football Netball League since April where he has played 17 games and scored seven goals.

Joseph Salmon playing for St Mary’s against Palmerston in the NTFL. Picture: Glenn Campbell

After being escorted back to the NT last week by police to face court, Salmon was bailed and the case was listed again for October.

It is understood Salmon returned to Geelong after his August 24 court appearance and played for North Shore on August 26 against Lara.

AFL Barwon, the administering body of the Geelong Football Netball League, said it was not aware of the case until contacted by this publication.

“AFL Barwon was made aware of this matter when contacted this week and subsequently is working to gather information, including having discussions with North Shore FNC,” a spokesman said.

When the investigations were revealed in February St Mary’s released a statement on its Facebook page saying it took the allegations “extremely seriously”.

“St Mary’s is a supporter of the No More campaign and the committee and football leadership will take appropriate steps to ensure all members of our club behave in a manner aligned to our code of conduct and values,” the club said.