Model Deborah Hutton ‘intimidated’ by partner Robert Venour Dulhunty, police allege
GLAMOROUS media personality Deborah Hutton’s partner tried to intimidate her by planting a bag containing condoms and restraints at their Sydney home in a staged break-in, a court has been told.
NSW
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GLAMOROUS media personality Deborah Hutton’s partner tried to intimidate her by planting a bag containing condoms and restraints at their eastern suburbs home in a staged break-in, a court has been told.
Police allege Robert Venour Dulhunty, 49, attempted to force the popular presenter to keep him under her roof rather than moving him out as their relationship was ending.
Police allege Dulhunty rang triple-0 claiming he had just confronted a would-be attacker outside the couple’s multimillion-dollar Bronte house just after 6am on August 8.
Police were told the man ran off, leaving a number of items behind. Investigators discovered condoms and an item for restraining someone.
Police began investigating on the belief they were chasing a celebrity stalker but evidence allegedly led them back to Dulhunty.
On Monday, nine days after calling police himself, Dulhunty was arrested at the home and taken to Waverley Police Station.
According to court documents Ms Hutton was the owner of the property and it was also Dulhunty’s listed address.
Property records show Ms Hutton bought the four-bedroom home with stunning views over the eastern suburbs for $3.8 million in 2016.
Dulhunty was charged with stalk or intimidate to cause fear of physical or mental health (domestic violence), three counts of destroy or damage property, false representation resulting in police investigation and making a false call to an emergency services number.
Police alleged in court documents Dulhunty “did intimidate Deborah Hutton with the intention of causing … (her) to fear physical or mental harm”.
Police will allege the de facto couple were in the process of separating and Dulhunty staged the break-in in the hope Ms Hutton would keep him around for protection.
Ms Hutton is a household name courtesy of a modelling career which boomed from age 16 when she graced the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. She also spent 10 years as an editor of the Women’s Weekly.
She became a darling of the social pages, particularly during a long-term relationship with late celebrity agent Harry M Miller but retreated from the limelight in recent years.
She has hosted numerous programs on the major networks, including Channel 9’s Looking Good and Location Location.
Hutton was an ambassador for Qantas for 12 years and in 2004 launched a range of homewares.
The case against Dulhunty, a former company director, will return to court on August 30.