James Douglas Bellette from Wingham in Taree court for domestic violence

A Mid-North Coast man brandished an axe, kicked a Fox Terrier and threatened to wrap his vehicle around a tree in a shocking domestic violence episode.

Taree Local Court

The mother of a Mid-North Coast man had to intervene in a shocking domestic violence episode – at one point shouting “drop the axe”.

Wingham man James Douglas Bellette went on a violent rampage on the afternoon of January 1, during which he brandished an axe and threatened to wrap his car around a tree.

The 25-year-old appeared in Taree Local Court for sentencing on Wednesday, June 7, before Magistrate Allison Hawkins.

She said Bellette had abrogated his responsibilities as a father in the “disturbing” episode.

Bellette works as a dry goods manager at Coles, his lawyer told the court.

He also told the court his client suffered verbal and physical abuse when he was growing up and often resorted to hiding in his room, impacting his mental health.

James Douglas Bellette.

“I don’t accept it’s mental health – these are the actions of a selfish person who puts his needs before anyone else,” Ms Hawkins said.

“This is classic domestic violence.”

Bellette had been in a relationship with a woman for about eight years and they have a child together, according to police facts tendered to the court.

The relationship ended in December last year, but they remained living together in Wingham.

He developed a relationship with another woman, but remained intimate with his ex-partner and Bellette became angry when he learned the two women had spoken.

During the outburst he kicked a Fox Terrier dog, damaged a fridge and punched a wall so hard he broke his hand, the documents state.

At one point he told his ex-partner he wanted to take his car and wrap it around a tree.

Bellette hit his ex with an open hand and when his mother intervened the woman retreated into a bedroom.

He then picked up an axe prompting his mother to scream “drop the axe”.

Bellette did drop the axe, picked up a Stanley knife and said: “I’m going to kill myself”.

The women barricaded themselves inside the house.

Bellette left and was involved in a car crash around 2pm. He had to be taken to Port Macquarie Hospital.

Bellette pleaded guilty to six charges stemming from the incident: two charges of stalking and intimidating with the intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm (in relation to his ex and his mother), common assault, two charges of destroying/damaging property, and going armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.

He was sentenced to two community corrections orders (one for 18 months and another for two years) and directed to undergo domestic violence and anger management courses.

Bellette was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and fined $1750.