Scott Minigle charged over alleged domestic violence incident prior to Jodie Lovell’s balcony fall death

The boyfriend of a woman who fell to her death from a 10th floor Sydney hotel balcony charged over an alleged DV incident minutes prior says police are “looking for someone to blame”.

Scott Minigle spoke to reporters outside court, where he appeared for the first time over an alleged domestic violence incident minutes prior to a woman falling to her death. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw

The boyfriend of a woman who fell to her death from a 10th floor Sydney hotel balcony charged over an alleged domestic violence incident minutes prior says he “never wanted any harm to come to her”.

Mother-of-two Jodie Lovell, 45, of Kareela, had gone out in the city with Scott Andrew Minigle – who she was dating – when they returned to their room at the Hyatt Regency on Sussex St in May 2020.

Police allege the couple argued over texts messages on Ms Lovell’s phone while in the room.

It’s alleged Minigle locked her outside on the balcony before he returned a short time later to find she had vanished.

Ms Lovell’s body was later found on a rooftop below. Minigle is not charged in relation to Ms Lovell’s death.

On December 12 last year, police went to a property in Engadine and arrested 51-year-old Minigle.

Jodie Lovell fell to her death from a balcony of the Hyatt Regency hotel on Sussex St in 2020. Picture: Supplied.

He was charged with the domestic violence offence of detaining a person with an intent to obtain an advantage.

Police allege he locked Ms Lovell out on the balcony prior to the fatal fall.

Jodie Lovell’s loved one said she was a “beautiful person” and mother. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

He was granted conditional bail and faced at Sutherland Local Court on Friday, accompanied by his father.

During the brief mention, Minigle’s case was adjourned to Downing Centre Local Court in February to allow him time to speak to a lawyer.

Outside court, Minigle said they “had an argument” on the fatal night because he was “curious” and “fixated” about what was on Ms Lovell’s phone.

Minigle conceded it was “not the best look” to lock a woman on a balcony.

“She smashed in the window. And I closed the door. I wanted to see her phone because she was my girlfriend,” he said

“I never, ever, ever, ever wanted any harm to come to her.

Scott Minigle outside Sutherland court. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw

“Never ever in a million years did I think she would do that.”

When asked if he thought it appropriate to lock Ms Lovell outside, he said “my father used to lock me in my room when I was growing up”.

Minigle told reporters police were “looking for someone to blame” and he would defend the charge.

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I took her out for a nice night. I looked after her,” he said.

Minigle said he had known Ms Lovell since they were teenagers and they “fell in love”.

“To have this happen on my watch is just terrible. I still love her to this day. I talk to her in the moon,” he said.

Outside court, a loved one said Ms Lovell was a “beautiful person”.

“She has got two beautiful girls and she didn’t deserve this,” she said.

“She was all for her children and now they don’t have a mother.”