Laura Peto successfully quashes conviction for breach of a restraining order
January 19, 2026
Laura’s client was charged with breaching a restraining order by entering a shop where his ex-partner, the subject of the order, worked. At the time he was subject to a restraining order, made in 2024, that prohibited direct or indirect contact with her and entering any building he reasonably knew her to reside or work. The Crown submitted CCTV evidence showing him entering the premises, which resulted in his conviction in the lower court. Laura made a halftime submission of no case to answer, highlighting the lack of clarity within the Crown’s evidence, and that his presence in the shop was nothing short of a mistake. The applications cited authorities such as Galbraith and Selvage, outlining that the evidence submitted by the Crown was not only tenuous in nature, but that there was no way by which it could be proved that he did not have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for his actions.
The Judge and Magistrates accepted her submission, ruling that the prosecution had not proved their case, quashing the conviction.
Laura was instructed by Glenn Reardon of Yarwood Holmes. If you would like to instruct Laura please contact the Criminal Clerks here.
