Interim AVO taken out against Deborah Hutton’s former partner
AN interim AVO has been taken out against the former partner of Deborah Hutton as he faces charges relating to a bizarre and allegedly staged break-in at the TV personality’s home.
NSW
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A LAWYER for TV personality Deborah Hutton’s former partner Robert Dulhunty has told a court “we still care for Ms Hutton”, with a magistrate labelling the comment “gratuitous”.
Dulhunty, 49, was charged over a bizarre and allegedly staged break-in at Ms Hutton’s Bronte home just after 6am on August 11.
Police took out an interim apprehended violence order against Dulhunty on Ms Hutton’s behalf.
“We still care for Ms Hutton we just want to give her some personal space,” Dulhunty’s solicitor Bryan Wrench told Waverley Local Court today.
MORE: DEBORAH HUTTON ‘SHOCKED AND DEVASTATED’
Magistrate Mary Ryan responded immediately: “We don’t need to make gratuitous statements in the court”.
Mr Wrench argued his clients wanted to respond to “gratuitous” claims made about the case in the media.
Dulhunty was not present at the hearing because his bail conditions prevent him from entering Waverley — a condition which was amended today so he could attend future hearings.
The former company director allegedly damaged two fly screen windows and a wall in Hutton’s $3.6 million Bronte home then called triple-0 claiming to have just fought off the would-be intruder.
Police arrived to find condoms, an item for restraining someone and other objects had been left at the scene.
MORE: HUTTON ‘INTIMIDATED’ BY PARTNER
Eastern Suburbs police began an investigation what they initially suspected was a celebrity stalker, however their probe led them back to Dulhunty.
On August, 20, nine days after taking a statement from Dulhunty, police returned to the Bronte home and arrested him.
Police now allege the property damage and early-morning triple-0 call were all part of Dulhunty’s ploy to have the famous presenter keep him living in her home as protection.
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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.
Hutton released a statement through the website for her business Balance By Deborah Hutton, saying she was “shocked and devastated” by the charges against her “former partner”.
“Deborah Hutton has confirmed reports that her former partner has been charged with stalking and intimidation,” the statement said.
“Deborah is surrounded by friends and family … we believe very woman, man and child has a right to feel safe in their relationships and in their own home — a celebrity should be no different.
“We also acknowledge that it takes courage and resilience beyond measure to recognise and remove yourself from toxic situations.”
Hutton has led a stunning career as a TV presenter, model and ambassador for major Australian brands like Qantas and has her own homewares range.
The criminal charges against Dulhunty are due to return to Waverley Local Court next week.