Magistrate will target DV blight

A NEW magistrate appointed to Townsville will address the city’s growing number of domestic violence cases.

Stephen Courtney is a former police officer who founded the firm Sunshine Coast Barristers Chambers in 2001. He graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1994 and was a Crown prosecutor in Maroochydore before going into private practice. Mr Courtney started work in Townsville last month.

“Everyone within the courts has done their best to ensure the transition to my new life has been as seamless as possible,” Mr Courtney said.

“I have not only moved from my home, I have had a change of career.

“With the challenges comes opportunities, both personal and professional. I intend to make the most of in my time here.”

During Mr Courtney’s three- year appointment, he will oversee family and domestic violence cases in Towns- ville, Palm Island and Mount Isa. His appointment comes after an increase in domestic violence applications lodged since 2012- 13.

During a welcoming ceremony for Mr Courtney last month, Chief Magistrate Ray Rinaudo said that in Townsville, the figure had increased 59 per cent, with a 116 per cent rise on Palm Island. In Mount Isa, that number increased by 92 per cent.

Mr Rinaudo said Mr Courtney’s appointment marked the next stage of a rollout of specialist domestic violence courts throughout the state.

“I have no doubt that the welcomed experience Mr Courtney possesses will be an immense benefit as he embarks on judicial life in the regions,” Mr Rinaudo said.

Senior prosecutor Mark Fenlon said Mr Courtney’s background, “having worked on both sides of the fence”, would serve the Townsville community well.

“Domestic violence is an insidious blight on our community and the wider community in general,” he said.