A butcher accused of committing a series of violent attacks against a pregnant woman has had a dozen charges related to the alleged offending dropped.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Martin Carl Phillips, 36, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday after pleading not guilty to the charges that included reckless threat to kill, possessing an offensive weapon with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a pregnant woman.
It was initially set to be the start of a five-day hearing. but prosecutor Nathan Deakes told magistrate Glenn Theakston that 12 charges had been withdrawn.
In February, the court's decision to grant bail for Phillips came after it heard doubts about the accuracy of statements made by the complainant, 20, who has now left the ACT.
MORE COURT AND CRIME NEWS
Police had alleged that in January, Phillips forcibly confined a pregnant woman at a home in Macgregor, punched her in the face and stomach, stabbed her in the arm with a hunting knife, and threatened to kill her.
He was then remanded in custody in April over fresh charges for different alleged offending.
On Monday, the defendant also faced court for three fresh counts of breaching a family violence order for which he has not entered pleas.
Other charges listed against his name are assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possess drug of dependence.
He made no application for bail and is remanded in custody.
Phillips will front court on December 7 for the family violence charges and a hearing in February.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
