Jake Bruce Tamaroa Tibbits: Accused under investigation for trying to coerce victim in prison phone call

An Albany man accused of brutally beating and throttling his partner is under investigation after he allegedly tried to coerce her into dropping the charges using a prison phone. Jake Bruce Tamaroa Tibbits, 32, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison on May 2 on nine assault and strangulation charges. Mr Tibbits is charged with two counts of aggravated common assault, three counts of assaults occasioning bodily harm, and four counts of impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation. The incidents allegedly took place on June 13-14, 2023, in Spencer Park, on March 6-7 also in Spencer Park, and on April 8 in Orana. Police prosecutor Sergeant Matthew Hartfield told the court that Mr Tibbits was under investigation for trying to pervert the course of justice after he allegedly made calls to the victim that were recorded through the prison’s system. Mr Hartfield said in one of the calls the accused tried to coerce the victim to drop the charges, allegedly telling her “You put me here, you can stop it any time you like”, before allegedly calling a former partner to make plans for a new life together in Queensland. The prosecution strongly opposed bail with Mr Hartfield stating that the victim’s safety was a “very high concern” and that Mr Tibbits would be a flight risk if released. Mr Tibbit’s lawyer Wendy Stewart sought an adjournment for the bail application to give the defence time to review new evidence provided by the prosecution. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell granted the victim an FVRO against Mr Tibbits for two years and adjourned his bail application until his next appearance on June 6 with Mr Tibbits remanded in custody until that time. At Mr Tibbits’ last appearance on April 18, the court was told how Mr Tibbits allegedly beat his partner so badly she was hospitalised, allegedly slamming her head into a bench multiple times and throttling her until she lost consciousness. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.