Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Murder of Estranged Wife in Sandhurst, Australia

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A Melbourne man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his estranged wife, Nelomie Perera, and the violent attack on their teenage son.

Dinush Kurera, 47, was convicted after claiming a "hopeless" self-defence argument, which Justice Mandy Fox rejected outright in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday.

Kurera's violent spree unfolded late on December 3, 2022, when he broke into Ms. Perera’s Sandhurst home, disguised in black clothing and armed with a hatchet and fuel. Enraged by her decision to leave him, Kurera launched a 14-minute attack that left Ms. Perera fatally wounded.

A Devastating Crime

The court heard that Kurera had a history of domestic violence and had violated a court order that barred him from approaching the property. The restraining order had been issued after Ms. Perera, fearful for her safety, ended their relationship while Kurera was abroad.

Upon his return to Australia, Kurera discovered that Ms. Perera intended to leave him permanently, prompting his premeditated assault. During the attack, the couple’s teenage children tried to intervene but were unable to save their mother.

Ms. Perera, unarmed and defenseless, suffered 35 injuries, including fatal blows to her head, face, and abdomen. Her final words to her daughter were, "I'm dead."

Kurera also struck his teenage son with the hatchet, leaving him injured but able to escape and alert neighbors. Kurera fled to a bathroom, where he admitted to emergency responders, "I killed my wife. She's dead over there."

A "Ridiculous" Defence

Kurera pleaded not guilty, forcing his children to testify about the harrowing events of the attack. He claimed he was acting in self-defence and blamed his memory loss for his inability to recall details of the murder.

Justice Fox dismissed his defence as "ridiculous," noting that Kurera’s purchase of a hatchet, fuel, and other items on the day of the crime clearly demonstrated premeditation.

"Your defence at trial never rose above hopeless," Justice Fox said, adding that the prosecution’s case was overwhelming.

Impact on the Family

During the trial, Ms. Perera’s loved ones described the years of domestic violence she had endured, as well as the devastating impact of her loss.

"Nelomie was a much-loved friend and mother," Justice Fox said. "Her loss has been shattering for everyone who knew her."

The judge condemned Kurera’s actions, stating, "You were motivated by anger and saw everything through the prism of entitlement and ownership. Nelomie had every right to leave you, see whoever she liked, and remain in the Sandhurst house while the separation occurred."

Sentencing

Although prosecutors sought a life sentence, Justice Fox concluded that while the murder was "very serious," it did not meet the threshold for a life term. Kurera was sentenced to 30 years in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving his full term.

The sentencing marks a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating toll it takes on families and communities.