Joel Derek Coyne: Albany prisoner released on intense supervision order after flinging star picket at partner

An Albany man has been released from prison on an intensive supervision order after he flung his partner around by her hair twice and swung a star picket at her. Joel Derek Coyne, 33, appeared via video link from Albany Regional Prison in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday, pleading guilty to breaching protective bail conditions and carrying (being in possession of) an article with intent to cause fear of injuring or disabling someone. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker told the court how Coyne breached a family violence restraining order to enter a Bayonet Head address on October 10. The family violence restraining order was granted on August 31. He entered the home at about 3am before arguing with his partner, the victim. The victim’s mother escorted Coyne to the front of the house where he grabbed a baseball bat which he was persuaded to put down. Leaving through the front entrance of the house, Coyne pushed his partner towards a parked car before grabbing her by the hair and flinging her around twice. Coyne then picked up a star picket and lifted it above his head, swinging it towards the victim who was forced to take evasive action to avoid injury, striking the parked car instead. The victim and Coyne share a child. Coyne’s defence lawyer Bruno Illari said Coyne understands that he “has a bit of an anger problem”. “He reacted, unfortunately, rather angrily,” Mr Illari said. The Department of Community Corrections stated that Coyne could not recall why he had an argument with his partner and that he was on methamphetamine at the time of the incident. Mr Illari asked the court to consider an order or fines. Sgt Walker voiced concerns that Coyne would struggle to comply with conditions if released from prison, citing Coyne’s long record. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said Coyne’s willingness to pick up a weapon showed “complete abject disregard for protective conditions”. “You don’t have to behave like that, it was all completely avoidable,” she said “The possibility of future frightening acts is very much a live issue. “You have gone around to the protected person’s mother’s place and have picked up a baseball bat that you were told to put down.” Coyne was released from prison on Friday on an intensive supervision order that requires him to undergo drug and psychological counselling, urine analyses, and 40 hours of community work. He had been remanded in custody since October 15.