A man who stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new partner in a jealous rage has been jailed. Joshua Wayne Rook, 33, pleaded guilty to stalking, intimidation, and reckless wounding after the attack in Sydney's northern beaches.
The Attack
On an autumn day, a woman ran from a house in a leafy suburb, looking back to see her partner on the ground with her ex-boyfriend on top of him holding a knife. She tried to climb a tree but instead armed herself with a traffic cone. When she returned, her boyfriend's shirt was stained with blood, and Rook was apologising to his 'best friend' whom he had just stabbed.
Court documents reveal Rook and the woman had previously been in a long-term relationship, but she had wanted only friendship for about a year before the stabbing. On the day of the attack, the woman brought her new partner to Rook's home because she did not feel safe meeting him alone. Rook had rejected her suggestions to meet in a public place.
Vulgar Questions
Once at the home, Rook became agitated when the new partner refused to promise not to 'move forwards with her.' He went inside and asked the woman whether she loved his friend, 'did she f**k (him),' and if he was 'her new boyfriend.' The woman asked him to calm down and ran out the front door. Rook grabbed a serrated kitchen knife and stabbed his friend during a struggle. The victim fell on his back and kicked his feet up to create distance, but Rook stood over him for about a minute trying to stab him.
Aftermath and Sentencing
The woman tried to climb a tree before arming herself with a traffic cone and returning to help. Upon seeing the bleeding man, Rook begged them not to go to the hospital or call the police, fearing jail. The man did not care and sought treatment. Rook was arrested later that evening, telling police he 'snapped' and charged at the new partner. He denied having a knife or stabbing anyone.
Judge Karen Stafford noted Rook's prior domestic violence convictions, some similar to this attack. She said he 'couldn't accept being told no' and acted in an 'intimidatory or violent fashion.' She could not find genuine remorse but acknowledged his rehabilitation efforts in custody. He was sentenced to 18 months for stalking and intimidation and two years for reckless wounding, with a non-parole period ending June 22, 2026.
