Mogo man Dean Carruthers charged with domestic violence offences

A NSW south coast man became emotional in court when he faced a magistrate over an allegedly violent breach of an apprehended violence order.

Batemans Bay Courthouse

A south coast roofer accused of serious domestic violence offences has become emotional in court after hearing he would remain behind bars on remand.

Dean Carruthers, 35 from Mogo, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, where his lawyer applied for his bail a week after he was initially remanded in custody.

Carruthers was initially refused bail on February 6 after he was charged with reckless wounding, assault causing actual bodily harm, property damage and contravening an apprehended violence order.

He has now pleaded not guilty to those offences.

Carruthers had already been charged with behaving in an offensive manner in public, driving without a licence, and possessing housebreaking implements related to a separate incident in 2022.

He has further pleaded not guilty to those offences.

However, Carruthers did plead guilty to driving a vehicle with drugs in his system in circumstances where he had already done so within the past five years.

Magistrate Doug Dick convicted Carruthers for that offence, fined him $800 and disqualified him from driving for six months.

Carruthers then applied for bail in respect to the 2022 and 2023 charges, having spent a week on remand at the Metropolitan Reception and Remand Centre in Silverwater.

Solicitor Matilda Bogart told the court of Carruthers’ current circumstances, stating he worked full time as a roofer and, if bail were to be granted, would reside with his father.

Ms Bogart also said Carruthers had not been “receiving his ordinary prescription” of seroquel – a medication used to treat a range of psychological conditions – while in custody as the court heard it could not be prescribed in NSW correctional centres.

The court was further informed Carruthers was particularly vulnerable in custody because he was struggling significantly with his mental health.

However, Mr Dick said the fact Carruthers was already on an intensive correction order when he was charged with the new offences, which involve an allegedly violent breach of an AVO, meant he could not be satisfied Carruthers should be released on bail.

Mr Dick further endorsed a warrant for Justice Health to assess Carruthers and ensure he has medication to assist him.

“He must remain in custody,” he said.

Carruthers will return to Batemans Bay Local Court on March 23 where his pleas will be confirmed in the 2023 matters, before returning again on April 27 for hearing on the 2022 charges.