Woman breaks down during sentencing in domestic violence case

A woman cried and repeatedly interrupted a magistrate during a sentencing over a domestic violence matter.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had was taken into custody after an incident of domestic violence, the court heard, but was released on the condition that she not return to the address where her partner was residing.

A tearful woman has broken down and repeatedly interrupted the magistrate when she pleaded guilty to contravening a release condition after being released from custody after a domestic violence incident.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody after an incident of domestic violence, the court heard, but was released on the condition that she not return to the address where her partner was residing.

Police were later informed that she was at the address and officers attended, but could not locate her.

However, her vehicle was there, the court heard, and the occupants were told if she returned to call again.

Police returned about an hour later after receiving reports the woman was at the home.

She told the police she had been invited to the home by her partner, the court heard.

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The court heard the woman was in a “toxic relationship” with her partner and he had taken her back to the address where she was found by the police.

Duty lawyer Warren Hunter said there was no “sinister behaviour” in any way alleged.

“She’s very upset about it to say the least,” he said.

Magistrate John Milburn said any offence relating to domestic violence was considered seriously by the courts.

“Courts must impose sentences that provide for some degree of penalty otherwise the value of the orders is lost,” he said.

The woman then interrupted Mr Milburn during his sentencing remarks.

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“Just listen to the magistrate, you’ll get yourself in trouble,” Mr Hunter said.

Mr Milburn said the woman had left with her partner at his invitation.

But the woman continued to interrupt Mr Milburn, saying: “I really don’t understand why it’s put on me, I did nothing. Why?”

The woman broke down in tears as Mr Milburn said he would impose a good behaviour bond, but was interrupted again.

“Is he allowed to bring another woman into the house, this is what’s caused all this,” she said.

“Why am I being charged?”

The court was briefly adjourned while the woman went outside with Mr Hunter.

When the woman returned, Mr Milburn said the circumstances led him to believe she was a victim of the cycle of domestic violence herself.

The woman was sentenced to a $300 good behaviour bond for a period of three months.