Man granted bail over alleged dating app assault in Canberra
Juno Halfpenny, 19, was granted bail. He allegedly assaulted and robbed a man he met through a dating app in Canberra.
The two men arranged to meet in south Canberra on September 22. When they met, the teenager allegedly assaulted the victim and demanded money.
Halfpenny is said to have forced the man to drive to several places to get cash. The victim tried to escape.
Halfpenny allegedly reversed the car as the door opened. This trapped him inside.
The man was eventually let out in Kaleen and called for help. Police arrested Halfpenny about 5.15am the next day.
He was sitting in the victim's vehicle in Giralang. He pleaded not guilty to recklessly causing serious harm and to choking, suffocating or strangling.
Magistrate Ian Temby granted bail. Conditions included living with his mother in Bega and a curfew.
Why it mattersThe court approved bail despite the serious nature of the allegations. It balanced the charges against the conditions available.
AustraliaThe case highlights personal safety risks on dating apps used by Australians and the court system's handling of serious assault allegations.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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