Adam Ronald Ralph, 53, was Glen Innes' longest-serving police officer when he retired in 2013. Sergeant Ralph was a highway patrol officer and served in the station for 26 years and eight months.

Ralph appeared in the Glen Innes Local Court on Wednesday May 29, charged with committing two domestic assaults on May 3 between 7.30pm and 8pm. He was apprehended that evening on the same day by New England crime management, according to court documents.

Police have also asked the court for two apprehended domestic violence orders to separate him from his two alleged victims.

That appears to be against the wishes of one of them, who sat next to Ralph in court to support him.

She described herself as a "very reluctant" witness for the police to Magistrate Michael Holmes in a brief aside.

Ralph represented himself at the mention, but told the Magistrate he intends to approach a legal firm for representation. He has been granted bail and said he intends to plead not guilty.

The matter was put over the June 26 for mention, at the request of the Department of Public Prosecution.

A piece published in the Examiner on his retirement said he stepped aside on doctor's orders. He joined the force in 1987.