In a shocking case that has raised serious concerns about the handling of domestic violence offences, a lawyer representing an alleged offender told a judge her client did not need to appear in court, just weeks before he is accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and two others.
Court Proceedings and Bail Continuation
Julian Ingram, 37, appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court in the New South Wales Central West on December 3 over allegations he stalked and assaulted his ex-girlfriend Sophie Quinn, 25, and destroyed her property. He admitted to damaging her property but denied the stalking and assault charges, with a trial set for February 3.
Transcripts from the hearing, obtained by the Daily Mail, reveal that Ingram's lawyer, Chelsea Connell, informed Magistrate Michael Maher that her client was waiting outside the courtroom. She stated, "Mr Pierpoint-Ingram's outside, but I don't think it's necessary for him to be [inside the court]. This is a matter where a plea of guilty is to be entered to [destroying property]."
Magistrate Maher insisted Ingram be brought in, as he was on bail. After Ingram entered, Ms Connell confirmed he pleaded guilty to destroying property but not guilty to stalking and assault, describing it as a domestic violence matter seeking a hearing date.
Bail Conditions and Tragic Outcome
The magistrate rolled the case into a single hearing on February 3 and continued Ingram's bail, with conditions including daily reporting to Lake Cargelligo police, and prohibitions on following, assaulting, threatening, stalking, or harassing Ms Quinn or anyone she had a relationship with. He was also banned from destroying her property or harming her animals, and from being with certain people after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Tragically, on January 22, less than two weeks before the scheduled hearing, Ingram allegedly fatally shot Sophie Quinn, who was due to give birth to her son Troy in March, and her boyfriend John Harris, 32, on Bakhara Street. He then allegedly killed Ms Quinn's aunt Nerida, 50, and wounded neighbour Kaleb MacQueen, 19, in nearby Walker St.
Background and Police Investigation
Ingram, also known as Pierpoint-Ingram, had a history of violence, including six apprehended violence orders to protect five people, including Ms Quinn, and a prior guilty plea for assaulting another woman in Griffith. He was granted bail by local police after his arrest in November because his charges did not meet the threshold for 'serious' domestic violence offences.
Following the alleged murders, Ingram went on the run. In March, police announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said, "We believe there is a person or persons out there who has information that could assist us and identify where Julian Ingram is. We're after an arrest, and we want to bring some justice to these families."
Current Manhunt and Public Concerns
Police released CCTV footage showing Ingram in blue and yellow work gear and a red cap, vaping casually outside Lake Cargelligo police station on January 22. He is described as between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM07GZ, which has council signage, a metal tray-back, high-visibility side markings, and an emergency light bar on the roof.
Authorities have not ruled out that Ingram may have switched vehicles. Although there were unconfirmed sightings of him 40km away in Eubalong West after the shootings, locals fear he is still in the area, possibly living in the bush.
This case has sparked debate over bail decisions in domestic violence matters, with calls for stricter assessments to prevent such tragedies.
