Halberd-wielding Warwick man sentenced to life in prison for 'savage' murder
Dwayne Thomas Andrew Watts, 34, cornered his aunt's former partner at a Warwick home on September 16, 2020, before stabbing him with a halberd.
At a sentencing hearing in the Toowoomba Supreme Court on Thursday, Crown prosecutor Dejana Kovac said the weapon, a long pole with a bladed head, caused a catastrophic head injury that killed 54-year-old Mark Ireland instantly.
"This act occurred in the presence of the deceased's son, who desperately tried to intervene," she said.
"The defendant's actions not only ended the life of [Mr Ireland], but inflicted deep and lasting trauma on the victim's son who witnessed the brutal killing of his father."
Watts pleaded guilty to murder on the day a trial was set to begin in the Toowoomba Supreme Court last month.
On Thursday morning he expressed regret for his actions in a written statement read to the court by his defence barrister, Damian Walsh.
"As a result of my actions, I have let multiple people down and cause unexplainable heartache," he wrote.
"I know nothing I will do will ever reverse what has happened, but I will strive for a better future.
"I am so incredibly sorry."
The court was told Watts had murdered Mr Ireland while he was out on bail for separate charges.
Justice Catherine Muir said the offence was "savage".
"You cornered the deceased and made him virtually beg for his life," Justice Muir said.
Justice Muir sentenced Watts to life in prison.
He will be eligible for parole in 2040, having already served 1,702 days in pre-sentence custody.
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