Coolbellup plea as belongings lie on lawn

by Crystal Wieringa

April 28, 2008

A COOLBELLUP man on April 23 pleaded guilty in Fremantle Magistrates Court to breaching a violence restraining order, as his possessions lay on the front lawn of his estranged wife’s house.

Prosecuting police sergeant Steve Balcolm alleged Shane Michael Lambert (28) drove within 100m of the home of his estranged wife, Kelly Lamberts, while on his way to visit a friend who lived nearby.

Lambert, who represented himself, said he drove that way “simply out of habit” and did not realise how close he was to Ms Lambert’s house.

Magistrate Jacqueline Musk “sympathised” with the fact there was no malice to the offence, but told Mr Lambert: “Once this order is in place you must be aware of the consequences.”

“I accept the defendant’s reasons for committing this offence and he will be fined only $300,” Magistrate Musk said.

The normal minimum penalty for breaching a police order is $1000.

Lambert has separately filed an objection to the restraining order, scheduled to be heard on May 1. In the meantime, most of his possessions sit on the front lawn of Ms Lambert’s house.

“All of my stuff is out the front, in the rain and I can’t get it,” Lambert told Magistrate Musk.

Upon hearing this, Sgt Balcolm said: “There will be a lot of rain between now and May.”

Lambert physically shook throughout the hearing. Before leaving, he thanked Magistrate Musk for being as understanding as she was.