Toowoomba truck driver Adam John Hayward on parole for Emerald burglary

A Central Queensland truck driver who broke into his former partner’s home during a violent outburst has been warned if his behaviour continues, he will spend actual time in prison.

Adam John Hayward, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary with violence in Emerald District Court and was sentenced to 15 months prison with immediate parole and ordered to undertake domestic violence programs as directed by parole. He was also ordered to pay $1500 compensation to the victim within three months.

A loving, caring mother sobbed in court as a judge lectured her almost 40-year-old son about repeated domestic violence offending, telling him his “mother must be heartbroken”.

Adam John Hayward, 39, turned up at his former partner’s Emerald residence on October 20, 2021, banging on the door and yelling.

Crown prosecutor Ryan Godfrey told Emerald District Court on Wednesday that the victim’s new partner called emergency services while Hayward went around and entered through the back door.

He said Hayward grabbed the victim, 33, by the throat and pushed her up against a wall, saying to her “you’re a f---ing b----, you’re a low life now you’ve left me for him”.

Mr Godfrey said the victim, who had previously been in a relationship with Hayward for eight years, pushed him off and he left.

The victim, earlier that day, with her new partner, took Hayward to get alcohol and cigarettes but he was aggressive, abusive and belittled her.

When they arrived at the bottle shop, the victim drove off, leaving Hayward behind.

Defence barrister Tom Polley said his client, who grew up in the Darling Downs, had “considerable support” from his family, including his mother who was in the courtroom during sentencing, and his new partner.

He said his employer was able to accommodate a transfer for the truck driver, who has schizophrenia, to work from the Brisbane depot so Hayward could get family support.

He said since this incident, Hayward had decreased his intake from 24 beers a week to six a week.

Judge Jennifer Rosengren said Hayward was at a “sliding doors” moment due to his history of domestic violence and if he took the wrong door, she “can almost guarantee” he will spend actual time in prison.

Hayward pleaded guilty to one count of burglary with violence and was sentenced to 15 months prison with immediate parole and ordered to undertake domestic violence programs as directed by parole.

Judge Rosengren also ordered he pay $1500 compensation to the victim within three months.