Charles Bannister to seek mental health diversion for domestic violence charges

A Sydney lawyer who missed several court appearances will seek to have domestic violence charges against him dealt with under mental health legislation.

High profile lawyer Charles Bannister (right) with solicitor Greg Goold. Picture: NewsWire / BEN SYMONS

A high-profile Sydney lawyer accused of bombarding his former partner with expletive-laden texts will seek to have his matters diverted under mental health legislation.

Charles Bannister had been convicted in his absence of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, and breaching an apprehended violence order put in place to protect his ex Dani Morris.

Bannister was once affiliated with British class action law firm Pogust Goodhead’s expansion down under, but a mooted partnership never proceeded.

After two non-appearances, Bannister finally attended Downing Centre Local Court with high profile criminal solicitor Greg Goold, with the court hearing a diary mishap could account for his prior absences.

The convictions were subsequently annulled with consent from a police prosecutor by Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson, averting a planned sentencing from proceeding instead.

Bannister (right) was arrested in early January. Picture: NewsWire / BEN SYMONS

Bannister’s matter was then adjourned until March 31 so he can apply to have the matters diverted under mental health legislation.

On a previous date where Bannister was not in attendance, the court heard the barrister had been in Northside Clinic – a mental health clinic on Sydney’s north shore.

It is alleged that texts Mr Bannister (right) sent Bondi nurse Dani Morris (left) were in breach of an apprehended domestic violence order.

Bannister was arrested in early January, after police claim he harassed Ms Morris over text and social media from 10.50pm on December 30 and 11am on January 1.

During the 36-hour period, it’s alleged he sent her multiple messages, calling her a “sl*t” and a “b**ch”, telling her to “f**k off” and demanding to know her location.

It’s alleged the messages he sent to Ms Morris, a cosmetic nurse from Sydney’s east, were in breach of an apprehended domestic violence order taken out last year.

The seasoned legal professional, who runs an eponymous civil firm in Sydney, was initially refused bail by police, spending the morning in cells at Waverley Police Station before he was released on bail.

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