Jail for knife attack
Man threatened, robbed girlfriend in vicious home assault
A MAN who put a knife to the throat of his girlfriend of one month, robbed her and then threatened her life and that of her toddler son has been jailed for six years and eight months.
Sam Michael Booth pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and intimidation after an assault in Tweed on October 14, 2017, which left his then-girlfriend in hospital.
The decision by Lismore District Court Judge Phillip Mahony, handed down this month, states that on October 14, 2017, the victim – who cannot be named – returned home to find $600 of her money missing and Booth not there.
“When he arrived, he told (her) he was concerned that friends he had over may steal it and returned $550 to her,” the decision reads. The victim told Booth the relationship was over and tried to leave.
“When she opened the door to leave, (Booth) slammed the door shut and pushed her to the floor,” the decision reads.
The woman ran to the front door and Booth pushed her over and, armed with a knife, sat on top of her. He put his fingers in her mouth and punched her in the face.
“(Booth) placed the knife against (her) throat, which caused visible grazing. (She) continued to struggle to break free and rolled over on to her stomach,” the decision reads.
“(Booth) pulled (her) hair back and placed the point of the knife against (her) throat, again saying words to the effect of: ‘This is a robbery c--t. Give me the money’.”
She could feel the knife digging into her throat so she relented and told Booth she would give him money if he would let her go. She gave him the remaining $550.
For the next half an hour Booth told her he would kill her, her 18-month-old son and her family by shooting them if she went to police. He then left with the money. The woman had suffered a small cut to her throat and cuts to her shoulder and collarbone from the knife.
The next day Booth sent her a message: “I’m so sorry I feel like sh-t. Can I drop your money off?” he responded.
The day after, Booth sent her a string of text messages and when she did not reply he sent her a photo of someone holding a rifle.
He was arrested at Burleigh Heads and extradited to NSW.
Booth will be eligible for parole on October 16, 2022.