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Man's claims of wife suicide 'an act,' court hears

A Sydney court has been shown video with the moment a man collapsed at a police station claiming his wife had killed herself.

But prosecutors are saying it was all an act.

Gavin De Beyer allegedly collapsed at a station telling Campsie police his wife Sharon Michelutti had taken her own life.

“I want my baby back,” he allegedly told police.

The court was shown a video of De Beyer allegedly telling police his wife had committed suicide. Source: 7 News
The court was shown a video of De Beyer allegedly telling police his wife had committed suicide. Source: 7 News

“She’s dead, she killed herself.”

But the prosecution has told the court it was a murder following a marriage breakdown.

Police went to the Riverwood home in February 2016 after De Beyer’s alleged false report.

Michelutti (inset) with video showing De Beyer collapsed at the police station. Source: 7 News
Michelutti (inset) with video showing De Beyer collapsed at the police station. Source: 7 News

Police said they found his partner of 15 years dead in her bed under the covers with a single stab wound to her stomach, which De Beyer claimed, was self-inflicted.

“She was holding a knife and she jumped on it,” he told the court.

Officers at the station allege they immediately recognised him when he walked in.

Police investigate Michelutti's death in 2016. Source: 7 News
Police investigate Michelutti's death in 2016. Source: 7 News

They said police had been called to the home over the past decade sometimes on a weekly basis.

Neighbours said they often heard the pair arguing but said Michelutti had never told them her husband was violent or abusive, or that he was ever violent towards her.