Man's DV history before horrific murder-suicide

“A more tragic event you wouldn’t come across. Our focus should be on the poor mother who has lost a child.”

A man who was found dead beside his two-year-old son in northern NSW had previously been subject to an AVO for the protection of his former partner.

James Harrison and his two-year-old son Rowan died after the 38-year-old rigged up a gas poisoning system in a suspected murder-suicide.

News.com.au reports Dr Sophie Roome had taken an AVO out against Harrison last August shortly after the couple separated.

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They had shared custody of their son Rowan, and Dr Roome had taken him to Harrison’s home on the morning of the tragedy on a Sunday for a regular custody visit.

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James Harrison (right) was found dead next to his young son Rowan (left, pictured with mum Sophie. Pictures: News.com.au

Dead dad had history of domestic violence

News.com.au reports Dr Roome called police at 4.30pm when Harrison failed to return her son.

Police first arrived for a welfare check at 5.30pm, and returned again at 9.45pm when they forced entry and found the tragic scene.

Dr Roome and Harrison had moved to Lismore last year, but separated soon afterwards.

News.com.au reports Harrison’s behaviour towards Dr Roome became concerning in the aftermath of the breakup, and she applied for an AVO against him in August.

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“A more tragic event you wouldn’t come across"

Police now believe Harrison had planned the crime and rigged up a deadly gas poisoning system in his rental property.

“The father has created a system where both he and the child have passed away as a result of the system he set up,” Deputy Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said..

“A more tragic event you wouldn’t come across.

“Any of these issues are difficult for the police, but they are well-trained.

“Our welfare systems in place look after our officers. Our focus should be on the poor mother who has lost a child.”

The Daily Telegraph reports Dr Roome’s family has travelled from Tasmania to comfort the grieving mum.

Originally published as Man's DV history before horrific murder-suicide