Perth teacher sentenced for trespassing and dog threats

Stephen Elford, a teacher at a high school in Perth's northern suburbs, has been sentenced in Joondalup Magistrates Court following a two-year legal process. Elford was found guilty of trespassing, damaging property, and threatening to kill a neighbor's dogs.

The incident occurred in October 2024 in Carabooda, when Elford allegedly damaged an electric security gate to enter a neighboring property. The dispute reportedly stemmed from months of tension regarding an adjoining fence and an incident where one of Elford's dogs was injured.

During the proceedings, defense lawyer Rachel Robson argued that Elford acted out of anger and responded poorly to trauma. However, Magistrate Andrew Maughan denied requests for a spent conviction and a violence restraining order, noting that Elford had “self-evidently lied to police” to avoid consequences.