Man allegedly choked and kicked stepdaughter before throwing broken glass at her

A man allegedly kicked and choked his 15-year-old stepdaughter, before throwing broken glass at her when she tried to call police.

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The 41-year-old, who has not been named to protect the identity of the child and her mother, faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, October 19.

He is yet to enter pleas to two counts of aggravated common assault, and one count each of choking/suffocating/strangling another person and property damage.

Police allege the man got into an argument with the 15-year-old about 2pm on Sunday after returning to the north Canberra home he shared with his partner and her daughter.

He then allegedly began to punch a window, smashing the glass.

When the child confronted him, he is said to have kicked and choked her.

She escaped his hold and began to call police, at which point the man allegedly grabbed a piece of broken glass and threw it at her.

Police also allege he kicked his partner when she attempted to intervene.

A neighbour also called police about 2.30pm, and officers arrived at the home and arrested the man.

The ACT Magistrates Court, where the man appeared on Monday. Picture by Karleen Minney

In court, where the child was referred to as the man's stepdaughter, Legal Aid defence lawyer Duncan Errey began a bail application on the 41-year-old's behalf.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing there was a risk he would commit offences in the community and endanger the safety of the alleged victims.

The prosecutor told the court both the woman and her daughter feared for their safety if he were released.

Mr Errey said a spot would be available for the man at a rehabilitation centre on Wednesday.

He argued this placement would mitigate any concerns about the man endangering the alleged victims' safety.

Special magistrate Sean Richter suggested delaying the application until Wednesday, when the rehabilitation place could be formally confirmed.

Following Mr Richter's comments, Mr Errey withdrew the application, with the matter set to return to court on Wednesday.

• Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Menslink 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.

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