A South Australian police security officer is on trial for alleged domestic violence offenses against his former partner. Tim Waverley Morrison, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated assault and aggravated threatening of life, stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred in late 2019. The District Court heard claims that Morrison, while on duty and in uniform, held a police-issued firearm to the woman’s chest and made a threatening statement. He also allegedly held a knife to her neck and pushed her against a wall.
Allegations of On-Duty Threat with Firearm
During the trial, prosecutor Hilda Kinuthia detailed the prosecution’s case, stating that Morrison allegedly brandished his service firearm at his former partner. According to Kinuthia, Morrison, employed as a protection security officer with South Australian Police, placed the gun on the woman’s chest and stated, “This is how easily I could hurt you.” The court heard that this incident occurred while Morrison was on duty and wearing his uniform. Kinuthia described how Morrison allegedly pushed the woman against a wall before retrieving his firearm.
The prosecution also outlined a separate alleged incident where Morrison is accused of holding a knife to the woman’s neck. Kinuthia characterized the pair’s relationship as one “marred by violence,” further alleging that Morrison became increasingly controlling. This control reportedly manifested in him questioning the woman’s whereabouts, monitoring her communications, and discouraging contact with friends and family. The prosecutor also stated that Morrison engaged in verbal abuse, making derogatory comments about her weight and insisting she lose it, before escalating to physical violence.
Defense Challenges Allegations as “Sensational”
In his closing address, defense barrister Richard Edney described the allegations, particularly the firearm incident, as “sensational” and “dramatic,” suggesting they were deliberately presented as such. Edney argued that text messages indicated Morrison had consistently denied the claims. He contended that there was a lack of “true or independent support” for the allegations made by the former partner.
Edney presented an alternative perspective on the relationship’s end, suggesting that if Morrison were as controlling and dangerous as alleged, the woman would not have ended the relationship by sleeping with someone else. He posited that this action contradicted the prosecution’s narrative of an abusive dynamic where Morrison was capable of extreme violence, including the use of a firearm and knife. The defense sought to cast doubt on the credibility and consistency of the alleged victim’s account.
Prosecution Affirms Witness Credibility
Conversely, prosecutor Hilda Kinuthia urged the court to find the alleged victim a “compelling witness.” She expressed confidence that the court could be satisfied “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the incidents as described had occurred. Kinuthia maintained that the evidence presented supported the prosecution’s case regarding the alleged assaults and threats.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The trial, which took place in South Australia’s District Court, has concluded its evidentiary phase. Judge Lisa Dunlop presided over the proceedings and is scheduled to deliver her verdict in September. The outcome will determine the legal findings on the charges of aggravated assault and aggravated threatening of life brought against the police security officer.
