WA police officer sentenced for shaking baby daughter awake
Peake, 30, admitted he shook his five-week-old daughter. He was sentenced to a 10-month community order.
Nickolas Wayne Peake, a police officer, was woken around 11pm by his screaming five-week-old daughter who suffered from colic and reflux. After trying to settle her with a dummy and bouncing her without success, Peake grabbed her with both hands and shook her three times.
Peake told her to be quiet. Peake's wife immediately called a midwife for advice.
They took the baby to Perth Children's Hospital the next day. Peake was arrested and charged with aggravated common assault.
The Midland Magistrates Court heard Peake had returned to work just three days before the September assault. His lawyer argued workplace stress had made home pressures harder to handle.
The court was told Peake is sorry and can now have supervised visits with his daughter.
- Nickolas Wayne Peake, age 30
- Officer's identity
- Five-week-old daughter
- Victim's age
- 10-month community order
- Sentence imposed
- Three years as serving officer
- Work tenure
Why it mattersThe sentence raises questions about holding police officers accountable when they harm their own families. It also raises questions about support systems that can help prevent such violence.
AustraliaThe case highlights concerns about police conduct and family violence in Western Australia, with implications for how such cases are handled in courts.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
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