Dwayne Atkins from Port Macquarie back in court after domestic violence, drug conviction

A Port Macquarie painter who walked free on domestic violence and drug charges last year has wound up in trouble with the law again. Get the latest on the case.

Port Macquarie Courthouse.

A violent repeat offender from Port Macquarie has found himself in trouble with the law again.

Dwayne Atkins has breached a community corrections order handed down after he was convicted of common assault, drug possession and two counts of breaching an apprehended domestic violence order.

Atkins walked from local court in June last year.

At the time, Magistrate Georgina Darcy was reluctant to let him walk free and expressed concerns Atkins would continue the “cycle of violence”.

Ms Darcy also pointed to Atkins’ criminal record, which includes drink driving and drug possession offences.

“That indicates to me that you have unresolved substance problems,” she said.

Dwayne Atkins pleaded guilty in Port Macquarie Local Court.

As part of his sentence, Atkins was ordered to serve a 12-month community corrections order and complete 80 hours of community service work

But he has only completed two of the required hours, according to documents tendered to court on June 7 this year.

Following sentencing, the local painter applied to complete his community service on weekends, which was approved in February.

The 38-year-old attended a single session on February 19 and failed to show after that.

Several unsuccessful attempts were made to contact Atkins. At one point, he indicated he had suffered a back injury, but no medical proof was submitted in time, according to the documents.

In early May, Atkins contacted the authorities to discuss the matter but was told “breach action” had commenced.

Atkins was fined $800 in lieu of the community corrections order he had been serving and the order was revoked.