Port Augusta man Peter Matthew Crabbe pleaded guilty to aggravated assault charges and threatening to kill his partner

A father has asked to remain in contact with his children after violently assaulting his wife in their family home, leaving her with bruises and a knife wound.

A man has begged the court to see his kids following an incident where he attacked their mother and threatened to kill her in their family home.

Peter Matthew Crabbe, 46, faced sentencing submissions in the Port Augusta District Court on Wednesday, after he left his partner with a knife wound and extensive bruising.

Crabbe was arrested on June 4 after police were contacted by the victim who left a “horrifying” voice message.

Matthew Crabbe has plead guilty to stabbing his wife in the hand and threatening to take her life. Picture: Facebook

Prosecution encouraged Judge Michael Durrant to listen to audio from a triple-0 phone call made by the victim on the night of the offence.

They called for a jail sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

“This is a man who has inflicted physical acts of violence against the victim but most seriously threatened to kill the subject,” the prosecutor said.

“He told the victim ‘I’ll f***ing kill you’ while simultaneously waving a knife in a stabbing motion.”

The court heard that the victim had extensive bruising to arms, face, neck and back as well as a knife wound in her left hand.

Crabbe pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and threatening life.

A statement from the victim was read out to the court by the prosecutor.

“My hopes were shattered that night,” the victim said.

“Since the event of the crime I have struggled to enjoy life with the same confidence and enthusiasm.

“I now struggle with unhealthy levels of anxiety when I see people.”

The statement read to the court cited financial difficulties following the assault, describing the financial burden of moving out of her home and into crisis accommodation.

“Everything in our home belonged to him,” the victim said.

“When I received $12,000 for children’s school fees, Peter said he would not pay.”

Crabbe’s lawyer Sally Burgess described Crabbe as remorseful and that he wanted it to be possible for himself and the children’s grandparents to be able to keep contact.

“Mr Crabbe’s parents have had a lot to do with the children after a 13 year partnership with Crabbe’s wife,” Ms Burgess said.

“His (Crabbe’s) ultimate goal is to attempt to reconcile with his children, who he hasn’t seen in 18 months.”

Crabbe has been in custody since the assault with a sentence to be delivered later this week.