Salim Mehajer, the former deputy mayor of Auburn in western Sydney, has appeared in the New South Wales district court accused of choking his then girlfriend until she lost consciousness. The 36-year-old businessman, who is representing himself, pleaded not guilty to six charges related to alleged domestic violence.
The charges against Mehajer include three counts of common assault, intimidation intending to cause fear and physical harm, intentional choking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with an alternative charge of common assault. The court heard that the alleged incident took place at a property in Lidcombe.
Judge James Bennett informed the jury that the case appeared to stem from 'a dysfunctional, disrupted or broken-down relationship'. He emphasised that the perceived truthfulness of the accused was a key issue for the jury to consider, and reminded them that Mehajer was not on trial for previous media coverage.
Mehajer, who was charged in 2021, continues to deny all allegations. The trial is ongoing.
