An Inverell man who was described as a "very valued member" of the community has been convicted of domestic violence.
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The man, who will not be named to protect the victim's identity, was "prepared to face the consequences of his actions" following the verdict of Inverell Local Court on his common assault (DV) charge.
His solicitor, Guy Newby, argued that his heavy involvement in the Inverell community and "good character" should work in his favour.
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He said there was a "significant backstory" leading up to the act of violence, however said that was "not excusing his behaviour".
One week after Christmas, the man had been drinking with friends and had returned home to find his partner "chopping cannabis" with a pair of scissors.
Police statements tendered to court detail that he grabbed the scissors from her, put them to her neck, and said "I hope you're ready to die".
Notwithstanding your good work in the community, I cannot lose sight of the seriousness.
- Magistrate Holly Kemp
He dropped them when she asked him to, and told her there was an RBT across the road if she wanted to report him. Mr Newby argued this was done with immediate remorse for his actions.
A child under the age of 10 at the house was woken up as a result of the incident.
The victim went to the police station on January 1 to make an official report, and the man was arrested at 12.50am the next day.
Mr Newby noted the court had already afforded him the chance of a non-conviction for domestic violence common assault in 2013 against another woman.
"The section 10 bond speaks to the severity [of that charge] ... but he may have done his dash with the courts in his chance of another non-conviction," Mr Newby said.
"[His client] acted in a way he bitterly regrets and he'll need to deal with the future repercussions when they come."
Sergeant Marieka Wilkins for the prosecution said his behaviour was aggravated from the moment he picked up the scissors.
"[He] does do a lot with the community... but unfortunately with the weapon he held to her neck a conviction is required."
The act was condemned by magistrate Holly Kemp as a "serious offence" before she deemed it to be mid-range in objective seriousness.
After reading his references and other subjective material put before her, she said the case was evidence that domestic violence "touches all aspects of society".
"There is no doubt you are a very valued member of the Inverell community," she said.
"Notwithstanding your good work in the community, I cannot lose sight of the seriousness."
Taking into account his early plea of guilty, she convicted him of the charge and placed him on a 15-month community corrections order with supervision.
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