Convicted balcony killer Simon Gittany's new lover reacts to his 26-year sentence
The Supreme Court broke out in cheers today as Simon Gittany was sentenced to spend up to 26 years behind bars for throwing his fiancee Lisa Harnum to her death from their high-rise city apartment.
His family was angered, but his new girlfriend Rachelle Louise has told 7News she knew he'd be going away for a long time.
Gittany's sisters absorbed his sentence with a cigarette before seemingly blaming it on journalists.
"You can go and ruin other people's lives now, and leave us alone," one said.
The sentence was 26 years, with 18 years non parole for the violent theft of a young life in a fit of jealous rage.
The Judge said Lisa Harnum must have been in a state of 'complete terror' when Gittany dragged her back into their apartment, before throwing her 15 floors to her death.
Simon Gittany has been sentenced to at least 18 years for the 2011 murder of Lisa Harnum. Photo: Supplied.
The couple had become engaged the previous month, but shared a tumultuous relationship during which Gittany monitored his partner's texts, watched her on surveillance cameras and sent abusive messages.
Justice Lucy McCallum said the murder wasn't premeditated, but said Gittany should have anticipated he might fly into a rage if Lisa left him.
"He allowed possessiveness and insecurity to overwhelm the most basic respect for her right to live her life as she chose" the Judge said.
She found the convicted killer had no remorse, and poor prospects of rehabilitation.
Despite the Judge's ruling, Gittany supporters maintained his innocence.
"He does intend to appeal," Gittany's solicitor Abigail Bannister told reporters.
When the sentence was handed down, one of Gittany's sisters shouted, "in the name of Jesus Christ, he won't be doing any of that time!"
Upstairs in the public gallery there were cheers, and a woman shouted to Gittany 'off the balcony you go!'
Gittany's lawyers had asked for a discount because of the 'humiliation' he suffered as a result of media attention, but the Judge found Gittany embraced the spotlight, including encouraging his girlfriend to protest, and do an interview with Sunday Night.
Rachelle Louise was absent from court today, but spoke to 7News.
"We all knew it would be a big sentence. I still want to be optimistic in the sense that I believe he won't do it. I truly do believe he has been wrongfully convicted."
Simon Gittany's new girlfriend, Rachelle Louise, told Sunday Night Gittany is caring and romantic and said she would "stand by him until justice is served". Photo: Sunday Night
Gittany sentenced to 26 years
The 40-year-old Sydney will be eligible for parole after 18 years, on May 21, 2031.
After hearing the sentence, Gittany dropped his head and didn't look or speak to his family as he was escorted from the courtroom by Corrective Services officers.
Gittany, 40, had pleaded not guilty and he maintained his innocence in a judge-only trial that lasted more than a month.
"The intention to kill was formed suddenly and in a state of rage," Justice Lucy McCallum told the NSW Supreme Court, adding that Gittany's act of throwing Harnum of the balcony could "only have been done with the intention of killing her".
Simon Gittany inside the elevator of his luxury apartment, moments after Lisa Harnum's death. Photo: Supplied
Justice McCallum said that jailing Gittany for life would be excessive, but he has no prospects of rehabilitation.
The judge also added that family support for Gittany would not help with any proposed rehabilitation, suggesting that it would instead "fortify the defiance".
Gittany himself was led up from the cells beneath the courtroom, showing no emotion as he listened to the judge's comments.
The family of convicted murderer Simon Gittany are given an escort by court sherriffs through the waiting media throng as they leave the Supreme Court. Photo: AAP
Gittany's case has attracted widespread media attention, as have the actions of his current girlfriend, Rachelle Louise.
Last week, flocked by vocal supporters, she fronted the NSW Supreme Court with signs proclaiming Gittany's innocence.
At his sentence hearing on Thursday, Justice Lucy McCallum said the "defiant denial of guilt" of Ms Harnum's murder only hampered Gittany's future prospects.
"The whole family is actively engaged in a protest," she told the Supreme Court.
"It goes towards maintaining the rage and maintaining the denial which is generally seen as an impediment to rehabilitation."
The prosecution urged Justice McCallum to be guided by the standard non-parole period for murder, which is 20 years.
But Gittany's defence say the non-parole period should be significantly less.
Gittany case sends strong message to women
The sentencing of Simon Gittany has raised concerns about the many other women trapped in abusive relationships.
Domestic violence experts say Lisa Harnum's tragedy could help other victims recognise when they, too - are in danger.
Lisa Harnum's very public story has highlighted the private struggle confronting thousands of women.
"Women in these situations face a very real threat of some sort of calamitous event ocurring, and they know that," said Libby Davis, CEO of White Ribbon Australia.
Every week, one Australian woman is killed by an abusive partner.
Simon Gittany captured on CCTV dragging Lisa Harnum back into the couple's apartment seconds before her death. Photo: Supplied
The Gittany case in particular shows the danger of obsession and control.
Ms Harnum has been described as her fiance's slave; he told her what to wear, who to see and where to go.
In a text message Gittany wrote, "Please don't let any guy talk to you.. your eyes should only gaze on me, the one."
The 40-year-old stopped Lisa wearing high heels, revealing clothing, or her hair down.
Despite his former desire to be a priest, confession was also off limits.
"This attitude that she's wearing mini-skirts, that she deserved it, that she provoked him. All of those sorts of attitudes are still highly prevalent," said the McAuley Community Services for Women's Jocelyn Bignold.
A Sydney court has been told Simon Gittany is a cold and calculating killer who wanted to punish his fiancée, Lisa Harnum, when he threw her off a balcony to her death. Photo: Sunday Night
Experts say the most dangerous time for victims is at separation.
Gittany likely flew into a rage when Lisa threatened to leave him. A little over a minute later, he threw her off their balcony.
It's essential to recognise the signs of escalating anger, and to work out a strategy to deal with it.
"Letting others know what is happening so that you can create an escape plan is really critical," Davies continued.
Anyone in need of support should call 1800RESPECT or visit the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.
