A man jailed for 26 years for the Christmas Day stabbing murder of his ex-wife has appealed the severity of the sentence claiming it was manifestly excessive.
Darren Mark Wake used a folding knife to stab Rachel Wake 17 times at her Hobart home in 2021 in a vicious attack motivated by resentment.
The pair’s son was inside at the time, while their daughter Romany had parked outside the house after driving Darren when he said he wanted to deliver a present.
READ MORE: Babies with peanut allergies to receive world-first treatment
Darren, who has been in custody since the murder, was sentenced a week ago to 26 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 17 years.
In an appeal received by the Supreme Court of Tasmania the morning after the sentence, Darren argues the jail term was “manifestly excessive in all the circumstances”.
Sentencing judge Justice Helen Wood said Rachel was entitled to stand her ground when Darren tried to enter the house against her wishes.
Darren blamed his former partner for his deteriorating relationship with their son.
He had been told by Rachel his son didn’t want to see him.
“(Rachel) must have realised in those moments (the) purpose was to inflict lethal force,” Justice Wood said.
“She endured that knowing her son was in the house and her daughter nearby.
“She tried to ward off your blows but you persisted with your attack.”
READ MORE: Mum’s final screams played at husband’s murder trial
Darren made admissions to police shortly after the crime but pleaded not guilty in court, before changing his plea to guilty in December.
Speaking outside court, Rachel’s mother Maureen Sierink said the loss of her daughter had been agony.
“This sentence is not long enough. It could never be long enough,” she said.
“It will not bring our beautiful daughter back, but it will highlight the epidemic of domestic violence against women.
“I will hate him forever for what he has done.”
Darren, who quit his job as a nurse shortly before the murder, was deeply remorseful and regretful and had prospects for reform, Justice Wood said.
He provided first aid to Rachel, who died in hospital.
Romany told reporters the sentence was finally some justice for her mum.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
links to content on ABC
9News
