Lindsay Bassani claims alleged attempted murder of wife was ‘an accident’, is again denied bail

Charged with attempted murder, this man says he didn’t want to kill his wife – he only wanted to scare her by slashing at her with the dull edge of a blade.

A man charged with trying to murder his wife claimed he only wanted to “scare” the woman by slashing at her with the dull side of the knife, a court has heard.

On Friday, Lindsay Bassani asked the Supreme Court to release him on strict home detention bail ahead of his impending trial for attempted murder.

Emily Telfer SC, for Mr Bassani, argued bail was warranted because the court could be certain of neither the strength of the prosecution case, nor the alleged victim’s reliability.

She read aloud text messages Mr Bassani sent to his wife, minutes after she was stabbed in the neck, as he stood in their garden waiting for police to arrive.

“I didn’t mean it, I had no idea it was the sharp side, I truly believed it was the other side of the knife,” he wrote.

“I wanted to scare you for attacking me and I should never have done that.”

Lindsay Bassani outside Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Mr Bassani, 43, of Clare, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and aggravated causing serious harm with intent over the April 8 stabbing of his wife.

She sustained non-life threatening injuries while he underwent surgery for stab wounds to his abdomen.

Previously, prosecutors have alleged Mr Bassani’s injuries were self-inflicted and that he was “controlling, obsessed, paranoid and jealous”, making baseless accusations of infidelity.

On Friday, however, Ms Telfer said an email sent by the victim to prosecutors showed Mr Bassani’s concern had not been unfounded.

Bassani has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial.

“She talks about her new relationship, and it is with the person about whom the allegations of infidelity were made,” she said.

She said that email had also detailed allegations that Mr Bassani had been physically violent in the past – directly contradicting her statements to police.

“There is reason, perhaps, to be concerned she has not been entirely candid about her account and the incident,” she said.

Domenic Petraccaro SC, prosecuting, said SA law clearly stated courts must prioritise the fears of an alleged victim over all other considerations.

“(The wife) states Mr Bassani told her ‘the only way you’ll leave me is if I kill you, and then I will kill myself’ … that’s prophetic, given the stab wounds to his abdomen,” he said.

“Taking to someone with a knife, in that area of the body, can only be an intent to kill.”

Justice Tim Stanley said he was not satisfied bail was warranted, refused the application and remanded Mr Bassani in custody.