Kimberley man faces Broome court on 18 domestic violence charges
A 54-year-old man charged with 18 domestic violence-related offences has appeared in Broome Magistrates Court. (ABC News: Andrew Seabourne)
In short:
A 54-year-old man from Western Australia's north has been charged with 18 domestic violence-related offences.
Police alleged his offending occurred over a period of nearly 20 years.
What's next?
The man appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on Friday and has been remanded in custody.
West Australian police have charged a Kimberley man over alleged domestic violence offences stretching over two decades.
The man, who cannot be named, appeared in Broome Magistrates Court today.
He is facing 18 charges, including five counts of strangulation, four counts of threats to kill, multiple serious assault and persistent family violence.
Police allege the offending occurred between 1998 and 2025.
Detectives started an investigation in October.
The 54-year-old was charged on February 26 and was refused bail.
During his court appearance today, the Kimberley man interrupted Magistrate Deen Potter while he was reading out the list of 18 charges.
"She's just trying to bury me, man. I deny all charges," the accused said.
The 54-year-old accused interrupted court proceedings to plead his innocence. (ABC News: Andrew Seabourne)
His defence lawyer Rachel Rima stopped the man from speaking further.
He did not enter an official plea.
Ms Rima made the case for the accused to be let out on bail while he awaited further legal proceedings.
"He has been bound by a family violence restraining order since the 14th November [2025], after the allegations came forward, [he has] not been charged with any breaches," she said.
"[He is] not sure where the complainant resided because he has not had contact or sought contact with her."
While considering bail Magistrate Potter told the court that whether the alleged offences were "historic or not" there was a risk of inference with witnesses.
Magistrate Potter said he appreciated the accused had not been charged with breaching any restraining orders but "now we're dealing with quite a different landscape".
"I won't ask for electronic monitoring — we don't want to disclose any area," he said.
The accused has been remanded in custody until March 30 while a home detention bail report is considered.
John Hutchinson urges people affected by family violence to seek support. (ABC Kimberley: Mya Kordic)
Kimberley Police Superintendent John Hutchison said in a statement that the issue of family and domestic violence was a top priority for police.
"We take these reports very seriously and remain committed to protecting victim survivors," he said.
"If you are experiencing family violence, or feel unsafe in your home or relationship, please know that support is available.
"We continue to work closely with government and non-government partners to make sure victims receive the assistance they need, including safety planning, crisis support and pathways to ongoing services."