Kristgen Anthony Bennett-Short: ‘Extremely dangerous’ man bailed despite fears ex-partner will be killed

An “extremely dangerous” man police say has links to a gang and a long history of reports of family violence has been released on bail despite his ex-partner fearing he will kill her. Kristgen Anthony Bennett-Short will be electronically monitored on bail after pleading not guilty to threatening to kill his partner during an argument after the couple played mini golf with their children on June 28. Mr Bennett-Short entered the plea in Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Thursday where his lawyer applied for bail, which was opposed by police. Prosecuting constable Kim Sullivan said the man had links to a gang and an alert in the police database labelled him “extremely dangerous” and warned officers to approach “with care”. The details of the allegations against Mr Bennett-Short were not read in court on Thursday, but Const. Sullivan did read a letter provided by the alleged victim in which she stated she feared if he was released he would kill her. She said she feared she would be let down by the justice system but needed to try to keep herself and her children safe after enduring emotional and physical abuse throughout the 10-year relationship. Mr Bennett-Short’s lawyer disputed the police allegations that he was linked to a gang and said the alleged victim’s statement should be taken with a “grain of salt” because of the facts confirming she dragged him with the car twice, dislocating his knee. While it was alleged Mr Bennett-Short threatened to kill her during that time, his lawyer suggests he may have said “you are going to kill me” and it was misheard. Magistrate Paul Lyons said while it was a “serious and dramatic” set of circumstances, he agreed the lawyer’s alternative version of events was not “inherently implausible” and the prosecution’s case was not “overwhelmingly strong”. As a category A offender, Mr Bennett-Short could only be released on bail with electronic monitoring, which Mr Lyons said would help monitor his movements. He granted bail with that condition and others requiring he live in Kambalda, not consume drugs or alcohol, report to police twice a week, have no contact with the alleged victim and provide a $3000 personal undertaking. The matter will proceed to trial in April. Mr Bennett-Short also indicated a plea of guilty to a charge of breach family violence restraining order relating to the same incident. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)