Warwick mum pleads guilty to breaching DVO over figurines, child support

A Warwick mum was so desperate to get her hands on some disputed figurines that she broke the conditions of a domestic violence order.

A Warwick mum’s desire to get disputed dolls back after almost a decade has landed her in front of the magistrate, a court has been told.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening a domestic violence order on Monday, September 18.

The court was told the woman in her 50s breached the no contact rule of an order set up against the woman by her ex-husband of 20 years, with the pair being separated for nine years.

The mum-of-three allegedly dealt with “coercive control” from the man during the relationship, said defence lawyer Clare Hine.

From the period of June 27 to July 1 of this year, the mother sent three texts to the man.

The first text regarded the woman seeking the return of a figurine, demanding the “return of the Willow Tree figurines”.

Willow Tree figurines were one of the causes of one woman's DV breach. (Photo: Willow Tree)

The mum fired back days later after being met with no reply, messaging the man to discuss child support, despite the fact the oldest child the pair had together was a legal adult. She messaged the man “sorry, delete that” one day later.

Ms Hine noted that the offending was solely through the medium of text, and there was no “threats or physical contact”.

Magistrate Virginia Sturgess said the woman’s decision to breach the order and contact the man was “very stupid”.

“You’ve given evidence (for the man) to take to police, and charge you with breaking the order,” Ms Sturgess said.

“It doesn’t matter if (the man) hadn’t returned any property to you – it has been nine years – it doesn’t matter anymore. In relation to inquiring about the child support, there is no excuse.”

The magistrate commented on the suggestion by the defence to not record a conviction, and said the woman “shouldn’t commit offences if you want to travel”.

“No doubt he will go to police if you do it again. This is extremely foolish and has achieved nothing but being charged with a criminal offence,” she said.

“There is no one to blame but yourself, by doing stupid things you end up in court.”

The woman was slapped with a $750 fine.

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Warwick mum pleads guilty to breaching DVO over figurines, child support