Senior Constable Aaron Bowen of Victoria Police was found guilty of 10 assault charges for using capsicum spray and a Taser on a man during an arrest at his Warragul home in May 2024. Magistrate Jason Ong fined Bowen $11,000 and issued a conviction, noting the offending was not spontaneous but persistent and prolonged.
"The offending was not spontaneous but persistent and prolonged."
Incident Details
On May 19, 2024, Bowen and a colleague responded to a family violence report. Body-worn camera footage shows them entering a bedroom where the complainant, in underpants, was reading his phone.
Bowen sprayed the man's face with OC spray from close range and used a Taser on his neck and back nine times within 46 seconds.
The man pleaded with Bowen to stop. He was taken to hospital with heart palpitations and a head wound; he reported significant psychological harm.
Court Findings
Magistrate Ong stated police are not trained to deploy Tasers on passive resistance. Bowen's conduct was described as unlawful, disproportionate, and excessive.
Defense and Civil Action
Barrister Geoffrey Steward argued Bowen acted in self-defense, citing reports of a drunk, potentially aggressive man who had assaulted his partner. Steward noted Bowen received a commendation in 2020.
Slater and Gordon lawyer Meliza Ludowyke confirmed proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria for alleged unreasonable force causing physical and psychological injuries.
Complainant's Statement
The man stated the arrest was an abuse of power and that he no longer feels protected by law enforcement.
Background
Bowen is the first Victorian police officer charged over Taser deployment. The case raises questions about police powers and the role of body-worn cameras in accountability.