November 13th 2024.
The state coroner in Victoria has released findings that reveal a tragic missed opportunity to protect a woman from her ex-partner's fatal attack. The woman, Noeline Dalzell, was stabbed to death in front of her three children by James Fairhall at their home in Melbourne in February 2020. This incident occurred just three months after Fairhall's release from custody for breaching a family violence intervention order, which prohibited him from contacting or being near Dalzell and their children.
It was revealed that 13 days after his release, Fairhall appeared at Dalzell's home while under the influence and verbally abusive. Despite Dalzell's attempts to contact the police, Fairhall had already left by the time they arrived. A warrant was issued for Fairhall's arrest, but it was never executed. Tragically, Fairhall ended up moving back in with Dalzell, claiming he had nowhere else to go. On February 4, 2020, he reached over their children to stab Dalzell in the neck, killing her. Fairhall is now serving 25 years behind bars for her murder.
During the five-day inquest into Dalzell's death, the state coroner, John Cain, found that the response from family violence unit officers leading up to her death "fell short of best practice." It was determined that there were missed opportunities for officers to engage with Dalzell and other agencies to ensure her and her children's safety. While it was acknowledged that Dalzell may have declined to engage, Judge Cain stated that officers should have done more than passively monitor the situation during the three-month period between Fairhall's release and her murder.
As a result of his findings, Judge Cain recommended that Victoria Police seek an external independent evaluation of the effectiveness and skill set of its family violence units. He also recommended that victims be notified within 48 hours of their perpetrator's release from custody, as well as improved communication between police and government agencies to ensure risk management plans are put in place and victims are protected.
In his final remarks, Judge Cain commended Dalzell's three children for their resilience and extraordinary bravery in the face of persistent violence. He also extended his sincerest sympathies to them and Dalzell's family. For those who may need support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT is available. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing family violence, and the responsibility of law enforcement to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
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