A judge has released footage of a horrific domestic violence attack as an example of the surge in violent and life-threatening offences.
Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji has pleaded guilty to five charges and could be jailed for 12 years after the attack on his partner at Narellan McDonald’s on February 22 last year.
The video, released during his sentencing hearing, shows Al-Khafaji ploughing his car through the McDonald’s shopfront in Sydney’s south-west, sending glass flying across the store.
In the confronting vision, he then threatens his partner with a knife in front of terrified staff.
The woman, who can’t be identified, told Campbelltown District Court she felt “emotionally manipulated” into staying in the relationship.
She said the 27-year-old would resort to drug use and self-harm when she mentioned breaking up, but she eventually worked up the courage to leave.
“Leaving this relationship was not going to be without explosive repercussions,” she told the court yesterday.
Read Related Also: The Morning Briefing: Fox News Has Been Hitting the Bud Light a Little Hard
The Oran Park man, who is in custody, has pleaded guilty to using an offensive weapon with an intent to commit an indictable offence, destroying or damaging property worth between $5000 and $15,000, and contravening the conditions of an AVO.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
