‘This is devastating’: AVO in place to protect woman before her alleged murder

An apprehended violence order had been taken out to protect a 48-year-old woman before she was allegedly stabbed to death by her defacto partner in the NSW Northern Tablelands.

Vincent Raymond Blair, 53, is in custody charged with the alleged domestic violence murder after being arrested at the unit complex on Rockvale Road, Armidale where the woman was found with multiple stab wounds about 2.15am on Thursday.

The woman was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

An apprehended violence order had been in place for her protection and a compliance check had been conducted about a month earlier, police sources said.

Blair did not apply for bail in court on Thursday and it was formally refused. He will return to court on December 16.

Police Inspector Greg Ryan said that emergency services were met with tragic scenes when they arrived at the unit.

“Obviously, this is devastating for the family,” he said.

Ryan said Blair and the woman had been in a de facto relationship.

“It’s being treated as a domestic violence murder for that reason.”

Forensic officers at the scene seized a knife allegedly used to murder the woman.

Ryan said police were speaking with a number of witnesses, including residents who lived in the same complex, as part of their investigation.

He urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact police.

Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan said he was deeply saddened by the tragic death.

“My sincere condolences go to the woman’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. I also thank our police, paramedics and emergency services personnel who responded to the incident,” Moylan said.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

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