Killed protecting pregnant daughter
Angela Ferullo, the woman murdered by her ex-husband in a Como hair salon, was protecting her pregnant daughter when she was stabbed in a frenzied attack, a court has been told.
James Bill Payet has pleaded guilty to the murder of Angela Ferullo, 43, and causing grievous bodily harm to her daughter Selina Bello last June.
He was also convicted of the unlawful wounding of customer Peggy Kew, who attempted to hinder the stabbing attack at the salon.
Ms Bello, who recovered from her injuries and gave birth to a healthy baby, was in court for the sentencing hearing.
Today, prosecutor Linda Petrusa recounted how Payet had terrorised Ms Ferullo in the days leading up to the attack, threatening to slit her throat.
After being asked not to attend a family christening, Payet's rage boiled over, and he sneaked into Ms Ferullo's house and hid in the roof space.
Police outside Plush Hair hairdressing in Como. Picture: Ian Munro/The West Australian
After threatening a lodger at the house with a 40cm knife, Payet drove to Ms Bello's salon and forced his way in.
After Payet attacked the pregnant Ms Bello, Ms Ferullo threw herself across her daughter to protect her.
She suffered fatal stab wounds in the attack, with Ms Bello suffering wounds which needed surgery, and Ms Kew also being injured.
Ironically, she had attended court earlier in the day to obtain a violence restraining order against Payet.
Defence lawyer Laurie Levy said the day of the murder had been an "eruption of violence", after years of drug taking and violence within the marriage.
Payet had stopped taking medications for depression, and was taking steroids at the time of the attack, Mr Levy said.
The hearing, before Justice Lindy Jenkins, continues.
