Anthony Jenner Bell: Prominent doctor charged with domestic violence offence

A prominent doctor has been charged with a domestic violence offence allegedly committed against his wife, who is a famed human rights lawyer.

Anthony Jenner Bell had tried to have his identity suppressed – and an interim order had been in place – but a magistrate in Perth ruled on Wednesday the media should be free to report on the case without omitting his name.

Dr Bell, who is in charge of medical services at St John of God Hospital in Midland, has pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm against Rabia Siddique in Mount Pleasant in April.

Fremantle Magistrates Court magistrate Adam Hills-Wright noted Dr Bell, who has 25 years of experience, had stated in an affidavit the complaint against him was made during a separation.

Dr Bell said his employer was supporting him but if the media reported on the case he could be stood down or restricted to administrative duties.

The magistrate determined there were no exceptional circumstances and a suppression order was not in the interests of justice.

Dr Bell is scheduled to face court again next month for a trial allocation date.

Ms Siddique is a retired British Army officer, criminal and human rights lawyer and former terrorism and war crimes prosecutor.

She survived a 2005 hostage ordeal in Basra, Iraq.

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