Kyogle forklift driver Stephen John Carmody jailed for domestic violence after punching partner

A Kyogle forklift driver has been jailed for punching a woman in the face after drinks at the Nimbin Hotel, breaching an apprehended violence order. Here’s what we know.

Carmody pleaded guilty to an attack after drinks out with his then-partner.

A Kyogle forklift driver has been jailed for punching a woman in the face after having drinks at the Nimbin Hotel, breaching an apprehended violence order.

Stephen John Carmody faced Lismore Local Court over videolink from behind bars.

Carmody pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and breaching the protection order.

The 54-year-old man and his then-partner went to the pub for dinner and had three Great Northern schooners each about 9.30pm on October 10, court documents state.

The couple had an argument while Carmody was driving home – and he punched the woman in the face.

The outside of the Nimbin Hotel. Picture: File

The victim called police when they reached their destination. She was upset and her face was swollen from the attack, the documents state.

Carmody was served an AVO in June to protect the victim following an earlier domestic violence situation.

Carmody faced Lismore Local Court for sentencing. Picture: File

Carmody continues to be violent regardless of the order or sanctions imposed, police told the court.

On Monday, Carmody’s defence lawyer Rebecca Witchard said her client had a difficult upbringing.

“He recognises his actions were wrong and he takes full responsibility for it,” she said.

Magistrate Danielle Mansour said Carmody was recently put on an intensive correction order for similar crimes against the same victim.

“Carmody is a repeat DV offender and the community will not be protected if he is given another intensive correction order,” she said.

Ms Mansour sentenced the offender to 21 months in jail with a 14 month non-parole period.