Show notes
Send us a textEpisode 17Guest – Adam Coleman In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adam Coleman, a 38-year-old father of four from Springfield. Adam, an operations manager, spent 10 years navigating the family court system in two separate cases. Adam, an only child, was born and raised in Liverpool, NSW. He never knew his father. After high school, he began a butcher apprenticeship but left after six months to pursue testing and tagging before settling into his career as a truck driver. Sadly, Adam’s mother passed away in 2017.In 2011, Adam met his first ex-partner at a bar. Their initial conversation included her telling him about a messy breakup and being a victim of domestic violence. Looking back, Adam recognizes this as a red flag. Soon after, they were in a relationship and welcomed their beautiful daughter in April 2011. Adam described how his world changed for the better, recalling how he would come home from long days of driving trucks, walk into his daughter's room, hold her hand, and fall asleep.More red flags appeared when Adam's friends would call him to report his partner dancing with other girls at bars. He remembers instances of her verbally attacking him at home. One day, he returned from work to find a note and her prepaid phone, stating she had left with their daughter without revealing their whereabouts. They were together for nearly three years before they split; their daughter was only a year and a half old at the time.After finally getting in touch with his ex, she returned home to gather some belongings, bringing a friend who hurled abuse at Adam on the veranda, threatening him by saying her brother-in-law was a cop and that he "would be f**ked."Soon after, two police officers arrived. The female officer was helpful and understanding towards Adam, but her colleague insisted Adam be arrested and handcuffed. Adam later discovered this male officer was sleeping with his ex. The officer was subsequently investigated for being in the area despite being based out of Blacktown Police Station. Adam spent two nights in a holding cell, which allowed his ex free rein to go through his house and take what she wanted.Adam was served with a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), only for his ex to return to his place a month later, hit him three times, and spit in his face. Adam immediately reported it to the police, but they dismissed his claims.His ex then filed a complaint, and police threatened to arrest him in front of his daughter. Adam went to the police station, where he was arrested and spent 12 weeks in prison. Upon his release, they delayed him for five hours, allowing them to call his ex and give her a heads-up so she could flee. After his release, he found out his ex and daughter had indeed fled. Adam immediately sought legal counsel.Finally, a court date was set. Adam attended, but his ex-did not. After reviewing all the submissions, the judge apologised to Adam, stating he should never have spent any time in jail. Adam gained custody of his daughter, and it's truly admirable how he has risen above the conflict with his ex-partner. He continues to offer her opportunities to spend time with their daughter, understanding the importance of both parents being involved in a child's life.In 2014, Adam met a new partner who claimed she couldn't get pregnant, yet soon after, she was expecting. Red flags quickly emerged when she expressed jealousy towards Adam's daughter, demanding she move out. Adam firmly refused, leading her to throw his engagement ring in his face. Her behaviour brought back painful memories of his first relationship, prompting him to call her stepfather. This tumultuous situation culminated in a DVO beSupport the show