Kalant & Jordain (No. 3)

In the matter of *Kalant & Jordain (No. 3)*, heard by Gill J, the dispute concerned allegations of contravention of parenting orders by the respondent mother. The applicant father sought orders in relation to these alleged contraventions.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the mother had contravened the parenting orders without reasonable excuse. If a contravention was established beyond reasonable doubt, the court was then required to consider the appropriate sanction, with a focus on whether imprisonment was the only effective option for securing compliance with the orders.

Gill J found that the mother had contravened the parenting orders without reasonable excuse. The court noted that imprisonment is a sanction of last resort, to be employed only when no other measure is effective in securing compliance. Having regard to the mother's prior contraventions and the impact of imprisonment, the court ordered that the suspension of a previous 14-day term of imprisonment be terminated, and that the mother serve an immediate term of 14 days imprisonment. A further suspended term of 14 days was also imposed. No other actions were required in relation to these contraventions or breaches of bond.