A lawyer representing a domestic violence offender told a judge her client didn’t need to face the court, just weeks before he allegedly killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend, along with her aunt and friend.

Julian Ingram, 37, appeared in Lake Cargelligo Local Court, in the NSW Central West, on December 3 over allegations he stalked and assaulted his ex-girlfriend Sophie Quinn, 25, and destroyed her property.

He admitted damaging her property, but denied stalking and assaulting her, and was set to face trial on those charges on February 3.

But on January 22, he allegedly fatally shot Ms Quinn, 25, and John Harris, 32, on Bakhara Street, before he allegedly killed her aunt Nerida, 50, and wounded neighbour Kaleb MacQueen, 19, in nearby Walker St.

Ms Quinn had been due to give birth to her son, Troy, in March.

Ingram – also known as Pierpoint-Ingram – had already been hit with six apprehended violence orders to protect five people, including Ms Quinn, and had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman in Griffith.

He was granted bail by local police following his arrest in November because his charges did not meet the threshold for ‘serious’ DV offences.

Transcripts from his court appearance in December, obtained by the Daily Mail, show his bail was continued by Magistrate Michael Maher without any mention of his criminal history, or any potential danger to Ms Quinn.

Police released CCTV footage of Julian Ingram attending a police station hours before the alleged murders
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Police released CCTV footage of Julian Ingram attending a police station hours before the alleged murders

Sophie Quinn, 25 (pictured), and John Harris, 32, were allegedly shot dead by Julian Ingram, 37, in January
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Sophie Quinn, 25 (pictured), and John Harris, 32, were allegedly shot dead by Julian Ingram, 37, in January

John Harris (pictured) was also allegedly killed by Ingram in Janaury
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John Harris (pictured) was also allegedly killed by Ingram in Janaury

According to the transcript, Ingram’s lawyer Chelsea Connell told the court her client was waiting outside the courtroom.

‘Mr Pierpoint-Ingram’s outside, but I don’t think it’s necessary for him to be [inside the court],’ she said.

‘This is a matter where a plea of guilty is to be entered to [destroying property].’

Magistrate Maher said: ‘But he’s on bail. He needs to be brought in.’

The transcript showed Ingram entered the courtroom before Ms Connell said he pleaded guilty to destroying property, but not guilty to stalking and assault.

‘It’s a DV matter, seeking a hearing date,’ Ms Connell said.

She told the court Ingram was due to face court over another matter on February 4, but the magistrate said both matters could be rolled into one on February 3.

Magistrate Maher said: ‘All right, well, this matter will be heard simultaneously with the other matter.

Nerida Quinn (pictured) was allegedly shot dead by Julian Ingram
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Nerida Quinn (pictured) was allegedly shot dead by Julian Ingram

Kaleb MacQueen (pictured) was allegedly shot by Julian Ingram
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Kaleb MacQueen (pictured) was allegedly shot by Julian Ingram


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Pictured: The scene where Sophie Quinn and her boyfriend John Harris were allegedly shot

‘Bail is to continue.

‘The matters will go over to February 3.’

Speaking directly to Ingram, he said: ‘Sir, the hearing’s not on February 4, it’s on February 3, and you need to be there on that date.’

Ingram was able to leave the court and continue complying with his bail conditions, which involved reporting daily to Lake Cargelligo police.

He was not allowed to follow, assault, threaten, stalk, or harass Ms Quinn or anyone she had a relationship with.

He was also banned from destroying her property or harming her animals, or being in the company of certain people 12 hours after consuming alcohol or taking illicit drugs.

Less than two weeks before his hearing, Ms Quinn and two others were dead and Ingram had gone on the run.

In March, police announced a $250,000 reward for any information on Ingram that leads to an arrest.

Julian Ingram is pictured, left, with his father. He is now on the run from police
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Julian Ingram is pictured, left, with his father. He is now on the run from police

Sophie Quinn, 25, was found dead inside a vehicle alongside her boyfriend, 32, at Lake Cargelligo
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Sophie Quinn, 25, was found dead inside a vehicle alongside her boyfriend, 32, at Lake Cargelligo

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.’

Police released a CCTV clip, almost one minute long, which showed Ingram in blue and yellow work gear and a red cap while vaping casually outside Lake Cargelligo police station on January 22.

Ingram 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 bears council signage, a metal tray-back, high-visibility side markings, and an emergency light bar on the roof.

Police haven’t ruled out the possibility that Ingram may have since switched vehicles.

Although there were unconfirmed sightings of him 40km away in Eubalong West in the wake of the shootings, locals fear he is still in the area and living in the bush.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491