Son of slain mother says we must end domestic violence
A TEENAGER whose father was jailed for savagely murdering his mother in a drunken rage before heading to the bottle shop, says Australia needs to step up and end domestic violence.
Stephen James Boyd pleaded guilty last August to killing childcare worker Tina Kontozis in her southern Sydney home and bashing his son Daniel Boyd unconscious with a bat as Daniel tried to save his mother in April 2016.
Justice Julia Lonergan yesterday sentenced the 53-year-old to a maximum 33 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 25 years and six months for his “brutal, prolonged and vicious attack”.
Speaking outside the NSW Supreme Court, Daniel said he was happy with the punishment, which closes a long and emotional journey for his family.
“I believe justice has been served,” the 19-year-old said.
“Domestic violence must not be tolerated at any level and we must as a community do everything we can to stop it.”
Dozens of supporters wore white ribbons and hugged each other in the packed courtroom after the sentence. Boyd slumped in the dock and showed little emotion.
Boyd had been on an apprehended violence order when he killed the 51-year-old woman.
Daniel had to leave court as Justice Lonergan detailed “terrible damage” Boyd inflicted on his mother over 30 minutes, including horrific blunt head injuries and multiple deep stab wounds to her face, chest and back.
Justice Lonergan said the community should be ashamed of the domestic violence rates plaguing the nation.
National DV helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency phone 000.