Update: After suffering years of violent abuse at the hands of his stepfather, a Perth teenager has managed to avoid jail time after stabbing and killing stepfather to save his disabled brother, sister and mother.
Psychological reports read to the court at the sentencing revealed the teenager did not have an anti-social personality or violent tendencies.
His lawyer has said the now 18-year-old is a “very relieved young man” following the ruling of a suspended three-year jail term.
Previously:
A teenager from Perth is facing court this week, and his lawyer is adamant the 18-year-old should avoid jail time after killing his drunk stepdad in self-defence.
The court heard the boy’s stepfather had a long history of violence and abuse against the family, including the boy’s mother, his disabled younger brother and 7-year-old sister.
The boy, who stabbed his stepdad 25 times two years ago, plead guilty to manslaughter but his legal aid feels he should avoid jail time due to the unusual nature of the offence.
On the day the transgression took place, it is alleged the boy’s stepfather consumed at least eight beers while out with a friend, then came home and strangled the boy’s 13-year-old disabled brother.
The court was told, the man then said to his distraught wife, “You wanna see me choke someone? This is what choking looks like,” after which he proceeded to attack the boy’s younger sister.
The boy’s lawyer explained that her client “just wanted the strangling to stop,” continuing by telling the court he was remorseful straight after his actions, and it would be tragic to see this story end in jail time for the boy, who is now a young man at 18-year-old.
The teen was apparently heard to say, “oh my God, what have I done” and then help his mother perform CPR after committing the act.
The judge is taking time to think about his decision due to the unusual nature of the crime.
