Deborah Hutton’s ex in hospital with mental breakdown, court told
THE former partner of TV presenter Deborah Hutton — charged over a bizarre alleged break in at her eastern suburbs home to save their relationship — is in hospital after suffering a mental breakdown, his lawyer told a court today.
NSW
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THE former partner of TV presenter Deborah Hutton — charged over a bizarre alleged break in at her eastern suburbs home to save their relationship — is in hospital after suffering a mental breakdown, his lawyer told a court today.
Robert Venour Dulhunty, 49, “was seeking help” before he allegedly damaged two flyscreen windows and a wall at Ms Hutton’s Bronte home, his lawyer Bryan Wrench told Waverley Local Court.
Dulhunty allegedly planted condoms and an item capable of restraining someone at the home just after 6am on August 11. Police claim he then called triple-0 saying he had just confronted a would-be attacker.
RELATED: Horror find inside Hutton’s $3.8m home
But nine days later police were back at the address, arresting Dulhunty and charging him with making a false call to emergency services, trying to intimidate Ms Hutton and other offences.
Mr Wrench said Dulhunty was expected to spend the next month in a private hospital.
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“The situation is that prior to this incident it was clear he was having some issues … he is at a hospital now getting treatment,” Mr Wrench said.
“There was an obvious breakdown at this time.”
Police have also taken out an interim apprehended violence order against Dulhunty on Ms Hutton’s behalf.
RELATED: Hutton ‘shocked and devastated’
Mr Wrench said Ms Hutton was an “innocent party in all this” and his client would likely fight the criminal charges.
“He doesn’t represent any danger he just needs treatment,” he said.
“We would indicate a not guilty plea on the basis of some of those issues.”
Dulhunty’s bail was varied to allow him to attend a private hospital in Sydney’s east and he must notify police if he is discharged.
The case was adjourned to November 9.