In a shocking turn of events, a Gippsland police officer has been found guilty of 10 assault charges after dousing a man in capsicum spray and using his Taser nine times in under a minute.

Senior Constable Aaron Bowen, 34, has been convicted of using unlawful and excessive force against the man at his Warragul home in May 2024. Magistrate Jason Ong described Bowen's conduct as 'unlawful, disproportionate, and excessive'.

The incident occurred when Bowen and a colleague attended the Warragul property in response to a report of family violence. Footage from body-worn cameras reveals Bowen entering a bedroom where the complainant is lying on a bed, reading his phone, and dressed only in underpants.

The complainant, who was later found guilty of one assault charge against his former partner, appears confused and initially refuses to comply with Bowen's directions. After blasting the man's face with OC spray from close range, Bowen uses his Taser to the complainant's neck and back on nine occasions within 46 seconds.

The man repeatedly pleads with Bowen to stop, according to the body-worn camera footage. He was later taken to West Gippsland Hospital with heart palpitations and a head wound. However, the complainant claimed the psychological damage caused by the arrest was more extensive than his physical injuries.

Barrister Geoffrey Steward, acting for Bowen, had argued that his client acted in self-defence and was instructed before the arrest that the family violence report involved a 'drunk and a potentially aggressive man who had just engaged in an assault of his partner'.

Slater and Gordon public liability lawyer Meliza Ludowyke has confirmed that the firm had already launched proceedings in the Supreme Court against Victoria Police over the alleged misconduct. 'Our client alleges he was subjected to unreasonable and disproportionate force during the incident and that he suffered significant physical and psychological impacts as a result,' Ludowyke said.

The case raises serious questions about police powers and highlights the importance of technology such as body-worn cameras in protecting the public and holding officers to account.

### ## Key Facts

  • Senior Constable Aaron Bowen has been fined $11,000 and convicted of 10 assault charges
  • The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, at a Warragul home in response to a report of family violence
  • Bowen used his Taser nine times in 46 seconds, leaving the complainant with significant physical and psychological injuries
  • The complainant was later taken to West Gippsland Hospital with heart palpitations and a head wound
  • The case is currently before the Supreme Court of Victoria