Hutton’s ex says he ‘cares for her’
A LAWYER for TV personality Deborah Hutton’s former partner Robert Dulhunty has told a court “we still care for Ms Hutton”, but a magistrate labelled the comment “gratuitous”.
Dulhunty, 49, was charged over a bizarre and allegedly staged break-in at Ms Hutton’s home in Bronte, Sydney, just after 6am on August 11.
Police took out an interim apprehended violence order against Dulhunty (right) on Ms Hutton’s behalf.
“We still care for Ms Hutton, we just want to give her some personal space,” Dulhunty’s solicitor Bryan Wrench told Waverley Local Court yesterday.
Magistrate Mary Ryan responded immediately: “We don’t need to make gratuitous statements in the court.”
Mr Wrench argued his clients wanted to respond to “gratuitous” claims made about the case in the media.
Dulhunty was not present at the hearing because his bail conditions prevent him from entering Waverley, a condition that was amended yesterday so he could attend future hearings.
The former company director allegedly damaged two flyscreen windows and a wall in Hutton’s $3.6 million Bronte home then called triple-0 claiming to have just fought off the would-be intruder.
Police arrived to find condoms, an item for restraining someone and other objects had been left at the scene. Police began an investigation into what they initially suspected was a celebrity stalker, however their probe led them back to Dulhunty.
On August 20, nine days after taking a statement from Dulhunty, police returned to the Bronte home and arrested him.
Police now allege the property damage and early morning triple-0 call were all part of Dulhunty’s ploy to have the famous presenter keep him living in her home as protection.
Dulhunty was charged with stalk or intimidate to cause fear of physical or mental health (domestic violence), three counts of destroy or damage property, false representation resulting in police investigation and making a false call to an emergency services number.
Hutton released a statement saying she was “shocked and devastated” by the charges against her “former partner”.
The criminal charges against Dulhunty are due to return to Waverley Local Court next week.