High profile lawyer Charles Bannister banned from drugs, alcohol after allegedly harassing ex

Charles Bannister spent Tuesday morning sitting in police cells with people he usually represents, after police claim he harassed his former girlfriend over text and social media.

A high-profile Sydney barrister has been banned from drugs and alcohol after police claim he harassed his ex-girlfriend, allegedly sending her a barrage of expletive-laden texts over the new year period.

Charles Bannister spent Tuesday morning sitting in police cells with people he usually represents, after police claim he harassed his former girlfriend Dani 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.

Lawyer Charles Bannister with ex-partner Dani Morris.

He was arrested at his Darling Point apartment at 10.15am on Tuesday, and charged with use carriage service to menace, harass, offend and contravene restriction in AVO.

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

He faced Waverley Local Court that afternoon, where Magistrate Michelle Goodwin was told he “used his phone and social media in such a way that reasonable persons would regard as menacing, harassing or offensive.”

It’s alleged it was the second time he has harassed Ms Morris, after being accused of a similar incident occurring in November last year.

In court documents obtained by the Telegraph it’s alleged he sent her emails and texts on November 25 which also “menaced, harassed or offended”.

Magistrate Goodwin agreed to grant Mr Bannister bail, however imposed strict conditions, including that he must abstain from taking drugs or drinking alcohol.

It’s the second time Mr Bannister has been accused of harassing Ms Morris.

He was also ordered to comply with the AVO protecting Ms Morris, which includes not contacting or going near her.

Mr Bannister is yet to plead to the charges.

The criminal charges follow news that Mr Bannister is being pursued by the Australian Taxation Office in a set of bankruptcy proceedings relating to unpaid super and wages.

That matter is currently before the Federal Court.

Mr Bannister is known for his class actions lawsuits which he runs from his firm Bannister Law.

However, a search of the Australian Business Register lists this law firm among several others that Bannister has established, including DV Claims, CANCER LAWYERS, PAY ME NOW, Done DUI and Back on Track Loans.

Originally published as High profile lawyer Charles Bannister banned from drugs, alcohol after allegedly harassing ex