A Melbourne IT specialist, Kristijan Naumovski, 34, has been granted bail despite facing serious charges including unlawful assault and making a threat to kill his ex-girlfriend.
Naumovski appeared at an online hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He was charged with six offenses related to an alleged incident on August 22, where he is accused of punching and kicking his former partner multiple times. The court heard the alleged assault occurred after an argument when the ex-girlfriend offered to drive Naumovski home, as he was reportedly intoxicated.
Police also apprehended Naumovski in Prahran with cocaine, leading to an additional charge of drug possession. He has been in police custody since his arrest on August 22.
During the bail hearing, Magistrate Samantha Seoud acknowledged the gravity of the accusations, stating, "The [alleged] offending that I heard about was extremely concerning and very serious and if he is found guilty or pleads guilty, he's looking at a significant kind of sentence." Naumovski has no prior criminal convictions.
As a condition of his bail, Naumovski was ordered to participate in a men's behavioral change program and is prohibited from consuming alcohol and drugs. He is also forbidden from following or surveilling the complainant.
The court was informed that Naumovski has worked in the IT industry for 10 years and is gainfully employed. His employer allows him to return to work full-time immediately upon his release.
Naumovski's mother is reportedly undergoing treatment for lung cancer, a situation the court heard weighs heavily on him. He was granted bail to reside with his parents in Hoppers Crossing.
Naumovski is scheduled to appear in court again on October 6.