Former psychologist convicted of assaulting ex-wife loses appeal to practise in Tasmania

A former psychologist convicted of assaulting his ex-wife in Western Australia two decades ago has been stopped from registering to treat patients in Tasmania, after his Supreme Court appeal was dismissed. In his judgement dismissing the appeal, Supreme Court Acting Justice Shane Marshall found the Psychology Board of Australia had concerns about the appellant's "downplaying of the gravity of his offending", and his "continuing, even with the passage of time, to attack the credibility of the complainant". 1800 Respect National Helpline on 1800 737 732 Lifeline on 131 114 Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 Mensline on 1300 789 978 Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578 In the previous appeal, TASCAT found that in 2004 Mr Sharma attended his ex-wife's home to collect his son when a "heated discussion" occurred, which resulted in Mr Sharma pushing her to ground. Acting Justice Marshall found Mr Sharma gave evidence to the tribunal that he pushed his ex-wife to the ground, and that she "started to hold his leg", and that when he tried to get free of her he "made contact with her as a consequence". Acting Justice Marshall found that while giving evidence to the tribunal, Mr Sharma repeatedly "downplayed the seriousness of his offending", including inferring "that his ex-wife had exaggerated her injuries".