Prominent Pilbara Indigenous community figure Jolleen Hicks appeared at the Karratha Courthouse on Thursday to face two charges of breaching a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO), including an alleged threat made in court.
Ms Hicks, a well-known figure in her community who is listed by the ACNC as Deputy Chair of the Mawarnkarra Health Service, pled not guilty to both charges.
One charge relates to an email Ms Hicks sent to her ex-wife requesting contact with their child.
In court, she claimed the email was sent based on legal advice and that she believed she was acting within her rights, however the prosecution argued the restraining order prohibited such contact and that Ms Hicks' actions constituted a clear violation.
She told the court, "I thought I was following the right advice," and explained her intent was not to breach the order but to reconnect with their child after years of separation.
The second charge arises from statements Ms Hicks allegedly made during family court proceedings. The prosecution presented evidence that Ms Hicks was overheard and recorded on camera saying, "I'm gonna get you, I'm gonna get you c**t."
While the intended target of the remarks was not made clear, the prosecution argued the statements breached the conditions of the restraining order and demonstrated inappropriate conduct.
During the hearing the court heard that any violation of a restraining order is a serious matter.
At the hearing on Thursday Ms Hicks represented herself, and said her lack of legal experience contributed to her misunderstanding of the order's conditions. She also expressed frustration at the complexity of navigating the legal system, and that she intended to present reduced circumstances at trial to explain her actions.
However, Ms Hicks graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Laws in 2006. In 2007 she completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of New South Wales.
In a recent social media post about the case, Ms Hicks wrote: "I'm still waiting to have my say in court after 18 months of hell. Everyone is welcome to attend and watch. I don't mind. I'm a great lawyer by the way."
According to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, Ms Hicks does not hold a Practicing Certificate in this state, which means she can not legally describe herself as a lawyer.
The court discussed possible resolutions, including alternative co-parenting tools such as court-mandated apps to facilitate communication, however it was noted such tools are not always effective in reducing conflict and can sometimes lead to breaches of restraining orders.
Ms Hicks argued her breaches were unintentional, however the court stressed compliance with restraining orders is non-negotiable.
The matter will return to court in March 2025 where both charges will be addressed.
