Violent stabber to be paroled

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to the face, neck and stomach in a change room at Target Launceston in a “close, violent and bloody attack” will soon be released from jail on parole.

But upon his release from Risdon Prison on November 16, Hemant KC will immediately be taken into custody by Australian Border Force and held in detention, awaiting deportation to his home country of Nepal.

In April 2018, Hemant KC followed his former wife into a change room, stabbing her repeatedly with a knife, causing her to believe she would die.

According to Justice Robert Pearce’s comments on passing sentence, KC had convinced the woman – who he’d married when he was 22 and she was 16 – by threatening to publish intimate photos of her on the internet.

“The attack only ceased when a male customer heard the complainant’s screams, broke through the door of the fitting room and pushed the defendant away,” the judge said while sentencing.

He jailed KC for four-anda-half years, with a non-parole period of half that time.

On Friday, the Parole Board of Tasmania published its decision as to why it had decided to release KC.

It said the woman suffered “profound” impacts as a result of the traumatic attack, and remained fearful for her safety.

“Her life is irrevocably altered,” the board said.

However, the board also said KC had undergone therapy to address his behaviour, now expressed remorse and had no history of committing crime in Australia.

It did note that upon his return to Nepal, KC intended to live with his parents.

It allowed parole, on condition that KC not contact his ex-wife.