WA Police Commissioner's son accused of holding former partner hostage

The Western Australian Police Commissioner's son is behind bars tonight after being charged over a series of violent attacks.

Russell O'Callaghan, 33, is accused of holding his former partner hostage in a two and a half day ordeal witnessed by the couple's 5-year-old son.

His father, Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan, has been the state’s top cop since 2004.

The incident is alleged to have begun at a home in Langford on Friday night.

The prosecution today stated that the pair had reconciled after breaking up six weeks ago.

However, by Sunday O’Callaghan had allegedly locked the woman in a bedroom, a door stopping her from exiting.

He is accused of putting her in a headlock, strangling and punching her, and dragging her around a room.

On Monday, prosecutors say the pair went for a drive, and when the 29-year-old tried to get a passerby’s attention, her former partner slammed her head into the steering wheel.

Police say that night, he pinned her to the ground and threatened to rape her.

On Tuesday, the woman managed to flee with her five-year-old son, who has autism.

It’s understood the boy witnessed the whole ordeal.

O’Callaghan remains in police custody. His suitability for bail is being assessed.