By Alesha Capone
A man who committed an aggravated burglary in Hoppers Crossing has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Father-of-six William Sadlier, 36, pleaded guilty in the County Court last month to aggravated burglary, contravening a family violence intervention order intending to cause harm, theft and unlawful assault with a weapon.
The court heard that on January 24 last year, Sadlier – armed with two butcher’s knives – gained entry to a house where his former partner was living with friends, a couple with children.
The court heard Sadlier threatened his former partner with the knives and said; “If you don’t get up and come with me, I’ll kill you”.
The 14-year-old daughter of the couple whom the woman was staying with heard noises and went to see what was happening. The girl ran toward Sadlier and shoved him.
When this occurred, his former partner grabbed the knives, cutting her hand in the process.
As Sadlier went to leave the house by the front door, the 14-year-old girl yelled; “Mummy, mummy, there’s a man out there with knives”.
The court heard Sadlier also stole his former partner’s mobile phone during the incident.
Judge Michael O’Connell said Sadlier was arrested shortly afterwards and had been in custody since.
He said that Sadlier’s actions had “a profound effect” on his former partner.
“At the time she feared for her life and even now, 11 months on from this incident, she constantly feels frightened and on edge,” Judge O’Connell said.
He sentenced Sadlier to 30 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 15 months.
Judge O’Connell said Sadlier’s 324 days in pre-sentence detention would count as time served.
