Jake Bruce Tamaroa Tibbits: Back in custody on new charge of attempting to pervert justice

An Albany man accused of violently assaulting his former partner is back in custody after he was slapped with a new charge for allegedly trying to pressure the victim into dropping the charges. Jake Bruce Tamaroa Tibbits, 32, appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court on Friday charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. Mr Tibbits was arrested in April on nine assault and choking charges after his former partner ended up in hospital. He was released on bail on June 6 under strict conditions including no contact with the victim. He now stands accused of trying to pressure the victim to drop the charges after a phone call he made on April 29 while in custody at Albany Regional Prison. Mr Tibbits is accused of asking the victim “why can’t you just drop the f...ing charges?”. “You’re the reason I’m in here,” he allegedly said. “I don’t want to be here anymore. “I’ll go to Queensland if that’s what it takes.” While applying for bail on behalf of Mr Tibbits, defence lawyer Sonia Anderson told the court that the phone call occurred before Mr Tibbits’ strict bail conditions were in effect and that Mr Tibbits did not intentionally try to pressure the victim. She said her client encouraged the victim to press charges before his April arrest and denies the allegation on the basis that he had no reason or desire to contact the victim and that his remarks were taken out of context. Ms Anderson said Mr Tibbits plans to plead not guilty to the domestic violence-related charges and will face a considerable amount of time in custody while he awaits a trial. She said he has sought counselling and support for his mental health since his June release. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker opposed bail, telling the court that police were concerned about Mr Tibbits’ “significant drinking problem” that has previously led to memory loss and domestic violence. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said the victim was concerned for her safety and challenged the defence counsel’s claim that Mr Tibbits’ remarks were taken out of context, telling her that this was not “a reality TV show”. “The words have come out of his mouth,” Ms O’Donnell said. The case was adjourned for one week for Ms Anderson’s request to obtain a full transcript of the phone call to support the bail application. Mr Tibbits was remanded in custody and will appear in Albany Magistrates Court on June 28. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.