Sawtell man Keaton Devine domestic violence jail sentence appeal upheld in Coffs Harbour

There has been a twist in the case of a high-profile Coffs Harbour man, ex-serviceman and men’s group co-founder who was jailed for domestic violence offences. Here’s the latest.

Keaton Devine from Sawtell has successfully appealed his jail sentence for domestic violence in the Coffs Harbour District Court on Thursday May 29, 2025.

A high-profile Coffs Harbour man and ex-serviceman who helped establish a popular weekly men’s group – and who was jailed for domestic violence offences earlier this year – has successfully appealed his sentence of imprisonment.

Keaton Devine from the beachside suburb of Sawtell was jailed for breaching court orders – becoming intoxicated at a licensed premises before threatening his wife on January 27.

It was previously heard in court Devine said to his wife: “If you call the police I will hurt you.”

In Coffs Harbour Local Court in May, Magistrate Julie Virgo handed down a six-month non-parole jail sentence.

With time already spent remanded in custody after his arrest, he would have been eligible for release on July 26.

But this week, Devine successfully appealed the sentence before Judge Michael McHugh in Coffs Harbour District Court.

Keaton Devine from Sawtell had his sentence appeal upheld in the Coffs Harbour District Court on May 29, 2025.

“It’s not doing anybody any good having him in custody,” Judge McHugh said on Thursday.

He remains convicted of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO) but his sentence has been converted to an intensive corrections order (ICO) with the possibility he will be released into the community pending a positive parole review on June 11.

Keaton Devine at right featured in the Coffs Harbour Focus magazine with good friend and Sawtell Men co-founder Jamie Syme.

Devine has been open and transparent with the community about his struggles with his mental health and alcohol abuse since returning from two years of active service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He spoke about these struggles and his attempts to get help “off my own back” during his appeal.

Devine also spoke about how he has tried to help others who could not afford such professional help.

“I started up the free Sawtell men’s group with my friend Jamie (Syme) for people who couldn’t afford the services I have been able to.”

Keaton Devine from Sawtell.

Devine told the court he doesn’t drink every day but “when I do drink, I binge drink ... I do believe I am an alcoholic.”

When asked about the impacts of his behaviour on his loved ones he replied: “I’m not proud or happy.”

A statement before the court from his wife stated she did not feel fearful or scared of him.

Devine was originally charged with three counts of contravening an apprehended violence order and intimidation.

The day he was set to defend the charges in the local court, he pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening an AVO and the other charges were withdrawn.

When asked how the conditions were at St Heliers Correctional Centre at Musswelbrook where he has been jailed he said: “It’s jail, but it is what it is (but) I wouldn’t recommend you come here your honour.”

“It’s not too bad, it’s fine here.”

Judge McHugh said the road to rehabilitation was never straightforward, but he felt Devine had taken strong steps along that path.

“He can turn this around, I don’t see any violence there.

“He can be abusive and aggressive when drinking.”

A Crown lawyer told the court Devine did have two previous convictions for assault.

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