A Sydney man has been sentenced to more than a quarter of a century behind bars for the brutal murder of his partner in her Mascot home, a killing a Supreme Court judge described as a "serious example" of domestic violence offending.
A Terrifying Final Attack
On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Andrew Coleman sentenced Anthony (Tony) Eriksen to 26 years in prison for the murder of his long-term de facto partner, Lisa Fenwick. Eriksen will be eligible for parole after serving a non-parole period of 20 years.
The court heard that on April 9, 2023, Eriksen stabbed Ms Fenwick more than 25 times in a frenzied attack at her home in Mascot, in Sydney's south. Justice Coleman said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Eriksen intended to kill her.
"It must have been a terrifying last few minutes of life being so savagely attacked by a partner," Justice Coleman remarked during his sentencing.
A Life Lived in Fear
The sentencing revealed Ms Fenwick had been trying to leave the relationship and had expressed profound fear of Eriksen in the lead-up to her death. She had discussed problems in the relationship with her family and friends.
In text messages to her friend Michelle Roberts, Ms Fenwick wrote that she was "fearful of the offender". In a chilling premonition, she stated: "I seek if anything happens to me before, believe I am of sound mind. I hate living in fear."
Justice Coleman noted the case was like "so many others" that lead to the "taking of an innocent woman in her home who was vulnerable and unable to break free."
Graphic Details and Immediate Aftermath
The forensic evidence presented to the court was harrowing. The pathologist detailed at least 18 stab wounds to Ms Fenwick's torso, with 11 penetrating her chest and abdominal cavities. She sustained another six defensive wounds to her arm and two to her thigh.
Despite the brutality, the court judged the objective seriousness of the crime as mid-range.
After the killing, Eriksen called triple-0 and told the operator he "put a knife" in her. He later told police they had a "huge argument" and cited life stresses, including unemployment. "It's just like living life is so stressful. I haven't had a job for five years, and she just criticises me all the time," he said.
In a final act before his sentence hearing, Eriksen sacked his defence counsel.
A Family's Grief and a Judge's Condemnation
The impact on Ms Fenwick's family was devastating. Her mother, Leonore, told the court she was too distressed to view her daughter's body due to the sheer violence of the crime.
Justice Coleman concluded that this murder, occurring in a domestic setting, represented a grave example of such offences. "Having regard to all of these matters, this murder, which occurred in a domestic setting, is a serious example of this type of offending," he said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
