Former City of Darwin councillor Paul Arnold tweaks bail condition ahead of five-day local court hearing

A Territory judge in ‘the busiest court in Australia’ has called out the lengthy court case against a ex-Darwin city councillor accused of stalking his ex-partner.

Former Darwin City Councillor Paul Arnold with his barrister Jon Tippett going into Darwin Local Court to face stalking and domestic violence related charges on Monday, May 20. Picture: Zizi Averill

A Darwin councillor who allegedly stalked, attacked and intimidated his ex-partner over a nine-month campaign will leave the Territory ahead of his next court appearance.

Paul Arnold has pleaded not guilty to a string of aggravated assault charges as well as deprivation of liberty and stalking his ex-partner as she repeatedly tried to end the relationship in late-2022 and early 2023.

Last week Darwin Local Court heard over multiple incidents the then-local politician and photographer allegedly shoved and headbutted the woman, struck her in the arm with a “plastic bike toolkit”, and refused to allow her to leave an argument “until she admits to him that she’s a c — t”.

The hearing had to be adjourned and extended, with seven witnesses still expected to be called over the alleged assaults.

On Tuesday Judge Therese Austin set down a five-day hearing starting on July 15, while calling out the lengthy block of dates in the summary local court.

“This is the busiest court in Australia,” Ms Austin said.

Former City of Darwin Lyons ward councillor Paul Arnold outside the Darwin Local Court on May 20, 2024, after pleading not guilty to assault, deprivation of liberty and stalking. Picture: Jason Walls

“This matter should have been before the Supreme Court if it was going to take more than 10 days.”

Prosecutor Rebecca Everitt said new bail conditions were needed during the seven-week wait until his next hearing, as Arnold intended to leave the Territory for Queensland.

The ex-councillor is currently required to wear an electronic monitoring device, however that will be removed hours before he flies interstate.

Arnold will have to flag with authorities before he returns, and organise to reattach the tracking device soon after landing in the Top End.

Ms Austin imposed conditions where Arnold was unable to approach or remain in the vicinity of his alleged victim or her daughter, approach their home or workplace, or contact them or other witnesses directly or indirectly.

Darwin council's newest alderman Paul Arnold was officially declared winner of the Darwin by-election today. Picture: Che Chorley

When Arnold started getting visibly annoyed at the court order, Austin reminded him that these were “standard non-contact conditions”.

Ms Austin said while Darwin was a small place where “accidental” meetings could occur, there were strict requirements for Arnold to leave the area if he saw his alleged victim.

“Anything other than Mr Arnold turning around and walking immediately and very quickly in the other way … will be a breach,” she said.

“That’s not going to wash in front of any judge … We don’t care what’s in your mind, if you physically advance towards her.. your only ability is to turn around and walk away.”

Arnold is required to return to the Territory no earlier than Monday July 8, to attend his five-day hearing on July 15.