In reference to the second trial, the offending was aggravated by the fact Rogers had committed those offences while on bail for the New Year’s Day incident.  

Judge Gary Perry told the court that the spate of violence had occurred over a three-month period and included “holding the victim by the throat... holding her underwater... biting” and acting with “coercive and controlling behaviour”. 

Pictured: Les Nicolles Prison.

The first incident was on 1 January 2023, which began just before 01:00 where police stopped a car travelling up St Julians Avenue to breathalyse the driver, who was found to be above the limit, Crown Advocate Fiona Russell told the court.  

The car, with six occupants, included members of Rogers’ family. He arrived soon after and “rolled up his sleeves” before demanding to know what was happening. He shouted and swore at officers, before walking off.  

However, he soon walked back down and shouted further abuse at which point officers followed him. Family members attempted to get in the way, but officers proceeded and arrested Rogers for disorderly conduct, bringing him to the ground.  

The court was played police bodycam footage which showed Rogers freeing an arm while on the ground and punching one of the constables in the face “forcibly”. 

In interview he apologised but claimed to have acted in self-defence due to “excessive force” being used by the police.  

Advocate Paul Lockwood, defending, said Rogers was “acknowledging the inevitable” of going to prison for the series of offences.  

He said the defendant had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and borderline personality disorder, and called on the judge to not ignore those “profound and multifaceted” issues. 

Rogers had committed to engage with support services going forward, it was added. 

Judge Perry called the mitigation “realistic” and took account of personal circumstances. But with a long history of offending his perception was clear: “Without doubt, Mr Rogers, you are a violent man."

He said the assault on the police officer was serious, and a catalogue of domestic violence showed evidence of a toxic relationship with one incident being carried out on the day of an appointment with probation.  

Rogers also continued to deny his guilt, he added. 

Judge Perry sentenced Rogers to five months in prison for assault on the police officer, and two years for the domestic violence, to run consecutively. A sentence of one-month in prison for disorderly conduct will run concurrently.