City of Darwin councillors Paul Arnold, Amye Un to face off in court over social media stoush

The embattled Lyons Ward representative’s lawyer said she wanted the case to go to a contested hearing at which she would call four witnesses to give evidence.

Former City of Darwin councillor Paul Arnold (centre) is seeking personal violence restraining orders against councillor Amye Un and Leah Potter.

Former City of Darwin councillor Paul Arnold and Lyons Ward incumbent Amye Un are set to face off in court after attempts at mediation of a dispute between the pair failed.

Mr Arnold applied for an apprehended violence order against Ms Un in September following what he described in his application as a “concerted and targeted campaign” against him via social media.

It came after staff banned Ms Un from entering council buildings or even attending council meetings in person over a series of posts it described in a public statement as “aggressive and threatening”.

On Tuesday, the Darwin Local Court heard Ms Un was seeking a contested hearing after the dispute was assessed as unsuitable for mediation.

“The respondent’s prepared for a hearing, we anticipate that it will take at least half a day, possibly a day, and we intend to call four witnesses,” her lawyer Eric Withnall said.

Mr Arnold’s lawyer, Julie Franz, said while her client was seeking a further adjournment following earlier unsuccessful settlement negotiations, he was “in the court’s hands”.

Registrar Leanne Gordon listed the case for a contested hearing on May 10 following a further case management inquiry on April 19.

Meanwhile, another personal violence restraining order Mr Arnold has applied for against comedian and serial political candidate Leah Potter was adjourned.

Ms Gordon said that dispute had also been assessed as unsuitable for mediation but Ms Potter had contacted the court on Monday evening to indicate she was unable to attend on Tuesday.

Ms Franz said her client had no issue with the adjournment after successfully seeking an interim order in an earlier hearing.

“Obviously it’s in her interest to get these matters sorted out as quickly as possible but if that’s her request,” Ms Gordon said in listing the case for further mention on February 13.

“The applicant can then focus his attention on dealing with the other matter and this matter can circle back in the new year.

“There is that interim order (so) I’ve got no difficulties with that lengthy adjournment.”

Ms Un has previously said her comments were not intended to be taken literally and that “words” were her only weapon.

Originally published as City of Darwin councillors Paul Arnold, Amye Un to face off in court over social media stoush