Harrison William John Quinn faces Byron court after breaching domestic violence order
A frustrated magistrate has slammed the “reckless” behaviour of a Byron diving instructor who breached a DV order in a “disturbing pattern” of offending.
Byron Shire
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A magistrate came down like a ton of bricks on a young man who returned to her court for breaching a domestic violence order protecting his former partner one day after it was made.
Harrison William John Quinn, 24, pleaded guilty at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday to contravening a prohibition or restriction in an apprehended domestic violence order.
The court heard the Byron Bay Dive Center instructor made a phone call to the protected woman from Fernleigh – the night after he left court on August 23.
The woman received a text message that Quinn had attempted to call her and she attended Ballina Police station the next day to make a statement, police documents state.
“The victim is afraid the accused is obsessed with her and cannot move on from the relationship,” police state.
Police documents describe Quinn’s disregard for domestic violence orders taken out.
Quinns defence lawyer said her client had moved from Fernleigh to Byron Bay.
Quinn did not know his ex would receive a notification when he tried to call about 10.30pm, the court was told.
“Curiosity killed the cat … he is able to move on,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate Karen Stafford expressed her frustration and said Quinn’s behaviour was “reckless”.
“You breached it in one day,” she said.
“You saw a magistrate, left the courtroom, then ring up the protected person.”
Ms Stafford took into account similar offending in Queensland and said she noticed a “disturbing pattern”.
“Hopefully you have moved on … You may be imprisoned next time,” she said.
Quinn was convicted and fined $1000.
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