Man accused of 'severing ex-partner's artery' in attack at Perth court
The man accused of stabbing his former partner to death in a Perth courtroom has appeared in court, wearing a forensic jumpsuit after police seized the man’s clothes for evidence.
Paul Gary Turner is accused of killing his ex Sarah Marie Thomas, 33, by stabbing her in the neck during a mediation session at the Joondalup Justice complex on Tuesday morning.
It’s alleged the 40-year-old severed Ms Thomas’ artery during the attack, and despite the best efforts of security and staff at the scene, the mother-of-two died a short time later.
Mother-of-two Sarah Marie Thomas. Source: Facebook
Murder accused Paul Gary Turner. Source: Facebook
Appearing in court on Wednesday, Turner sat quietly and stared blankly ahead as the charge was put to him.
He answered only to acknowledge his name and the charge before being remanded in custody over Christmas to reappear in court on January 11.
At the next hearing he will be allowed to apply for bail.
Police at the Joondalup scene. Source: 7 News
“We heard these screams and all of a sudden a guy came out yelling ‘Get security, get security’ ... and then it was pandemonium,” witness Janet Lee said.
Ms Thomas’s death has prompted calls for urgent security upgrades, given all courts in Perth's CBD have airport-style security including metal detectors but suburban courts such as Joondalup do not.
Friends of Ms Thomas have taken to social media to post tributes and there’s been a steady stream of people paying their respects at the courthouse on Wednesday.
Sarah Thomas. Source: Facebook
"Sarah Thomas you were an absolute pleasure to work with, an amazing friend and an even better mum to your children,” one person wrote.
“You are one of the most amazing people I know and I can't believe this has happened to you.”
