UPDATE: A 47-year-old man from Ballina has been arrested and is set to face court next month following a shocking series of alleged domestic violence (DV) offenses, including a drunken car crash. The Richmond Police District confirmed that the suspect was charged on December 19, 2023, after he allegedly caused injuries and instilled fear in his victim through relentless harassment.
Authorities report that the man unlawfully entered the victim’s residence, bombarding her with over 90 phone calls and 30 text messages before crashing his vehicle while intoxicated. He is scheduled to appear in Byron Bay Local Court on January 19, 2026.
In a related incident, a 46-year-old man from Bonalbo has been sentenced to fifteen months in jail for violently resisting arrest related to a domestic violence assault that occurred in November. During his apprehension, he caused actual bodily harm to police officers. He faced the Lismore Local Court on December 22, 2023, where he received a non-parole period of nine months.
Police statistics reveal that domestic violence remains a critical issue in the region, with common assault offenses—both domestic and non-domestic—accounting for 20% of arrests across the Richmond district in the week ending December 24. Additionally, breaches of domestic violence apprehended violence orders and incidents of stalking or intimidation were responsible for another 17.5% of arrests.
These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention of domestic violence in our communities. As the situation develops, local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting such incidents and supporting victims.
Stay tuned for more updates on these unfolding cases as they progress through the legal system.
