Content warning: This article discusses alleged sexual violence and domestic violence.
A Canberra man has been refused bail after being charged with 69 sexual assault and violence offences against multiple women, following an ACT Policing investigation into allegations made by former intimate partners.
Police said the 36-year-old man, from Bruce in Canberra’s north, was arrested on Thursday after officers from the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team searched his home. He appeared briefly in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, where an application for bail was denied.
Police allege a pattern of violence
According to ACT Policing, multiple women contacted authorities in late 2025 and early 2026 with allegations about offending that occurred while they were in relationships with the man. Police said the women alleged he committed a series of violent assaults beginning in 2024, including sexual assaults, physical assaults and strangulation.
The charges include multiple counts of sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated choking and rendering a person insensible, and aggravated common assault. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the man is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Police have not publicly named the accused man. The investigation, as outlined by ACT Policing, appears to centre on allegations made by more than one complainant and conduct allegedly occurring over an extended period rather than a single incident.
Court appearance and bail outcome
The man’s brief appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday marked the first public court step after his arrest. Bail was refused, meaning he remains in custody while the matter proceeds through the court system.
In serious matters involving allegations of sexual violence and family violence, early hearings typically deal with bail, legal representation and administrative directions rather than the full evidence. Further court dates are expected to determine how the prosecution will progress and what evidence will be served on the defence.
ACT authorities have framed the matter as a reminder that reports of sexual and domestic violence can emerge months or years after alleged offending. Investigators said the women came forward across late 2025 and early 2026, after the alleged violence began in 2024.
Police urge affected people to come forward
ACT Policing has urged anyone affected by sexual violence, or anyone who knows someone who may have been affected, to speak with police. People can attend a police station or contact police assistance on 131 444.
Support services are also available for people affected by sexual assault, family violence or related trauma. National support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, while Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14. In the ACT, services including the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre and Victim Support ACT provide specialist assistance.
Cases involving allegations of sexual violence often take time to move through the courts, particularly where there are multiple complainants and many separate charges. For now, the police allegations are before the court, bail has been refused, and the next steps will occur under the ACT justice system.
Source: ACT Policing statement reported by ABC News Australia.