Former Darwin councillor Paul Arnold appears in court on domestic violence charges

A renowned NT photographer will spend a few more nights behind bars as he awaits a bail hearing after being arrested on DV charges. Read what happened when he faced court.

NT landscape photographer Paul Arnold will wait to hear the result of bail application. Picture: Keri Megelus

A well-known NT photographer will spend more nights in a Darwin cell as he waits to hear if he will be granted bail after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

Former Darwin councillor Paul Arnold, 51, was charged with three counts of breaking a domestic violence order and unlawful stalking.

He was arrested on Tuesday at his Smith St Mall gallery.

Further charges including four counts of damage to property, seven counts of aggravated assault and depriving a person of personal liberty were also brought up in court on Wednesday.

Arnold appeared in the Darwin Local Court with his arm heavily bandaged because of a broken elbow.

He previously appeared in court in April.

Paul Arnold has faced the Darwin Local Court on domestic violence charges.

Legal aid lawyer Josh Begbie said his client would agree to tighter bail rules, but said there would be contention around a triathlon club both Arnold and his alleged victim are involved in.

“The triathlon club is a point of shared interest and given the circumstance that’s something he might forgo,” Mr Begbie said.

“It is very significant for my client, it’s very important for his mental health which he struggles with at the moment, and not attending the club may contribute to the deterioration in mental health.

“In terms of protecting the complainant the DVO is a non-harm, we would suggest a non-approach and non-contact.”

Mr Begbie said Arnold not being granted bail could lead to significant financial strain as his gallery on the Smith Street Mall underwent development.

“My client is also under significant financial stress at the moment, he is currently remodelling and expanding his gallery on the Smith St Mall,” he said.

“He fears he will go bankrupt if he doesn’t get bail to oversee that process.”

Paul Arnold‘s gallery on the Smith Street Mall is under going redevelopment. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Prosecutor Indigo Collins strongly opposed Arnold’s bail application saying he had a “complete disregard for the DVO in place”.

“This is violent offending towards the victim, there is ongoing behaviour from the defendant,” Ms Collins said.

“He has demonstrated he has complete disregard towards the DVO in place.

“Domestic violence is far too prevalent in this community and it places women at extreme risk, the court knows all too well the consequences that can happen if they are not protected.”

Judge Alan Woodcock adjourned the bail application until June 19 as Arnold was assessed for electronic monitoring and supervision.

He said bail would be granted if Arnold was deemed suitable for those conditions.

“There’s two distinct allegations and period of allegations including historic aggravated assaults and damage to property,” Mr Woodcock said.

“He has no criminal history and has significant obligations in the community, but there are legitimate concerns voiced by the prosecution for the victim in terms of safety.”

Darwin laksa queen and fellow Lyons Ward councillor Amye Un was in court earlier in the day to watch the case, however was not present when Arnold’s bail application was heard.