Man Jailed After Marrying Woman Who Took Out Restraining Order Against Him

[matcom]

<snip>

SPOKANE, Wash. --When Rachel Dunham took out a restraining order against her boyfriend, she didn't expect to be marrying him a short time later. So instead of honeymooning in Mexico, Rodney Tomsha sits in the Spokane County Jail, accused of violating the order by getting within two blocks of Dunham.

He tried to persuade a Spokane judge last week to lift the restraining order, but the judge refused.

The couple were married last Thursday in nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Spokane police Detective Stephanie Barkley said.

Police received a tip about a Saturday wedding reception at a Spokane mansion, waited until the reception was over and then arrested Tomsha, 49, police spokesman Dick Cottam said.

Dunham, 25, had obtained the order after two reports of domestic violence were investigated by Barkley last year. In addition, Dunham was arrested on June 17 for investigation of domestic violence against Tomsha, police said.

Another court hearing seeking removal of the protection order was scheduled for Wednesday.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/06/28/man_jailed_in_restraining_order_wedding?mode=PF

[Zuni]

1. why didn't the judge just let this go?

did the marriage happen because he kept violating his restraining order to "win her back"?

:wtf:

[benburch]

2. The judge ought to order a mental health screening for Ms. Dunham

Because I think she must be loopy to marry her abuser!

[prole_for_peace]

3. oh NOW they enforce a restraining order.

and so soon after the scotus decision regarding suing police for not enforcing a restraining order resulting in a woman's daughters being killed by her estranged husband