Prabhal Sharma was in the grips of a psychotic episode after going on a drug-affected bender and murdering his wife and daughter, a court has heard.
Sharma, 41, has pleaded guilty to two counts of murder after killing his family members in Melbourne‘s north-east on January 13.
The court heard that Sharma was apologetic for his crimes and that he was ready to accept any punishment.
“It’s unbelievable to me that I’ve destroyed my own family and future. I’m sorry for my own mistakes and I’m ready to take any punishment,” Sharma wrote in a letter, which was read out to the court.
Police and paramedics were called to the family home earlier this year after receiving reports that Sharma was suffering drug-induced delusions.
When emergency services arrived, the 41-year-old appeared calm and polite, so they left the property.
Hours later, Sharma suddenly stabbed his wife Poonam and his six-year-old daughter Vanessa.
He chased his injured wife as she ran out into the street, screaming for help, and stabbed her twice more, before stabbing himself in the abdomen.
The court heard that a witness to the incident said Sharma was “very furious” and “had blood all over his hands and face”.
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There was no history of violence within the family home but Sharma had previously assaulted another woman, who he had been having an affair with.
Sharma’s lawyers told the court that he can be rehabilitated and said he deserves the chance of one day being eligible for parole.
Sharma will return to the Supreme Court to be sentenced early next year.
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