Police Bail Decision Under Intense Scrutiny Following Alleged Triple Murder in Lake Cargelligo
Police authorities are confronting severe criticism over their decision to grant bail to Julian Ingram, who is accused of assaulting his former partner Sophie Quinn just two months before he allegedly murdered her and two others. This tragic incident has sparked a broader investigation into how law enforcement handled prior allegations against the 37-year-old, who remains at large following the shootings in Lake Cargelligo, approximately 450 kilometres west of Sydney.
Previous Convictions and Violent History Revealed
Court documents have unveiled a disturbing pattern of behaviour by Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint. In 2021, he was convicted of assault after grabbing a family member by the throat during a heated altercation. The incident occurred when the victim made a comment about his children, leading Ingram to become angry and very aggressive, according to police facts. He pleaded guilty and received an 18-month community corrections order, along with an apprehended violence order (AVO) prohibiting him from approaching the family member within 12 hours of consuming drugs or alcohol.
Since 2014, Ingram has had six AVOs issued against him involving five different individuals, including Sophie Quinn. Quinn had an apprehended domestic violence order taken out against him in December, which was scheduled for review in court on 3 February. Despite this history, police granted Ingram bail on 30 November for domestic violence-related charges, citing a risk assessment that found he did not pose an unacceptable risk and had previously complied with court orders.
Alleged Murders and Ongoing Manhunt
Ingram is suspected of shooting dead his pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn, her new boyfriend, and her aunt last month in Lake Cargelligo. The shootings, which were over in minutes, have left a lasting impact on the small New South Wales town, with effects expected to echo through generations. Following the incident, police launched Strike Force Doberta and issued an arrest warrant for Ingram over the alleged murders.
A large-scale manhunt continues, with authorities expressing confidence that Ingram is still alive. Recent sightings suggest he may have visited a rural property south of Mount Hope between 25 and 26 January. Police have released CCTV footage in an effort to locate him, emphasising the urgency of the search.
Broader Investigation into Police Handling
In response to the tragedy, New South Wales police have announced a critical incident investigation to be overseen by the police watchdog. This investigation will examine Ingram's alleged full domestic violence history and his access to firearms, as part of a broader review into how police handled the investigation into the alleged murders. The aim is to ensure all actions adhered to legislation, policy, and guidelines.
Court records show that Ingram had pleaded not guilty to charges including stalking and harassment with intent to cause physical harm, common assault, and property damage prior to the alleged murders. Another woman had an AVO against him on two occasions, with the second lasting two years, highlighting a recurring pattern of domestic violence allegations.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about bail decisions in domestic violence contexts and the need for rigorous risk assessments to prevent such tragedies. The community and authorities alike are calling for accountability and improved protocols to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
