Neil Johnston: Vincentia man sentenced for ‘serious’ domestic violence offending

A South Coast man who breached a domestic violence order against his ex hours after being released from custody for issuing threatening messages and voicemails has been sentenced.

Neil Johnston was convicted for the offending. Picture: Tom McGann

The disturbing actions of a man who stalked and sent violent messages to his ex and her friends have been revealed during his sentencing for repeatedly breaching domestic violence orders just hours after leaving custody.

Neil Johnston, 63, faced Nowra Local Court on Wednesday after threatening his former partner and her friend and breaching an apprehended domestic violence order multiple times.

The Vincentia man was charged with and pleaded guilty to stalking and intimidation, three counts of contravening an apprehended domestic violence order, and knowingly breaching a domestic violence order for the third time.

Court documents reveal the offending began about 11.30pm on June 6, just weeks after the couple separated.

Agreed facts state Johnston was driving through Huskisson when he spotted his ex-partner’s car at a friend’s house.

Neil Johnston appeared in Nowra Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: John Appleyard

He approached the home, banged on the door and demanded she come outside.

When she didn’t respond, he left a threatening voicemail for the friend and homeowner.

Neil Johnston leaving Nowra Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann

It stated: “Once I f--king get hold of you c--t, you are f--king gone.”

He continued to leave messages for the pair, asking “why did you do this”, calling his ex a “liar” and branding the friend a “soft cock”.

Johnston returned shortly after, banging on the door again.

Fearing for her safety, his ex called police and Johnston was arrested, charged, and held overnight in custody.

An apprehended domestic violence order was also issued against him, covering his ex and her friend.

Court documents state Johnston breached the order as soon as he was released, texting his ex: “I cant believe what you’ve f--king done to me.”

The following day, he breached it again by calling her, but hanging up before she answered.

Two days later, on July 10, Johnston violated the order a third time by parking near her workplace.

She spotted his car and contacted police in fear. She also told them about the earlier message and missed call.

Johnston was again charged for the multiple breaches.

In court, his lawyer said Johnston was “embarrassed” and “remorseful”, blaming his actions on recent hardship.

She also noted his clean record and asked the court for a non-conviction.

However, the prosecution and Magistrate Lisa Viney disagreed.

“This is a serious example of domestic violence,” Ms Viney said.

“This was a result of a relationship breakdown, but this is not an excuse for your behaviour.”

Johnston was convicted, fined $1000, and handed a 12-month community corrections order.

A two-year domestic apprehended violence order was also imposed.

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