Inside the ADVO hearing that could have saved a two-year-old boy

James Harrison, who killed his two-year-old son and himself last week, opposed an apprehended domestic violence order his former partner sought to place on him.

Three months ago, Lismore doctor Sophie Roome took out the ADVO against her former partner.

Sophie Roome and her son Rowan, 2.

Roome sought the ADVO because of Harrison’s coercive behaviour; sources familiar with the matter say he criticised her parenting and tried to control her life following their breakup.

Last winter, police in the NSW Northern Rivers city of Lismore took out an interim ADVO on Roome’s behalf; in February, it made its way to court.

Harrison initially opposed the order, a court transcript of the hearing shows.

James HarrisonCredit: Facebook

There was “not a whole lot in dispute”, Harrison’s Byron Bay lawyer Tom Ivey told the court, but Harrison remained opposed to the order and wanted it to go to a hearing where the case would be ventilated.

As the day wore on, Harrison changed his mind when Magistrate Michael Dakin said the matter would not be heard by the court that day and would have to return in July instead.

“Regrettably, I don’t think there’s much prospect of reaching the police application naming James Harrison as the defendant,” said Dakin on February 13.

“I am sorry the court time will not be available today, it is unavoidable, it is the way sometimes the court list pans out.”

Given the delay, Harrison consented to a year-long ADVO without admission, meaning he accepted the court order but did not admit any wrongdoing.

The ADVO required Harrison not to assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate Roome or “anyone that she has a domestic relationship with.”

Dakin said: “It is not a crime to have the order made against you, but it is a crime to breach the order.”

Nearly three months later, Harrison, 38, killed himself and his son inside an East Lismore unit.

Originally from Western Australia, Harrison moved to the Northern Rivers, where Roome worked as a doctor at the hospital, supporting her partner and son Rowan. Harrison also worked as a business analyst for NSW Health.

On a Sunday night, a candlelit vigil was held in Lismore, which Roome attended supported by friends and family.

Sophie Roome is comforted by family, friends and the community of Lismore at a silent vigil for Rowan, 2, who was murdered by his father last Sunday.Credit: Elise Derwin

“A wee boy was murdered in our town, and that must be recognised, lamented and spoken about,” said organiser John Taylor.

“Rowan was a delightful little boy, full of joy and love for his family and friends. He loved the beach, music and swimming,” said a GoFundMe set up by Roome’s friend Belinda Olding.

“Rowan’s family are devastated. No child should be killed by those who are meant to love and protect them.”

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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