Mother of slain child Luca Janzow breaks eight-year silence ahead of David Janzow’s release into community

The mother of a young boy killed by her mentally ill ex-husband has asked a judge to ban him from her family’s Hills town because “as his world widens, hers narrows”.

The mother of slain child Luca Janzow has broken her eight-year silence, saying her “world narrows” with every freedom extended to her killer ex-husband.

On Monday, the Supreme Court authorised David Janzow’s release from a secure mental health facility, just one month ahead of the eight-year anniversary of Luca’s death.

However, a request from Mr Janzow that he also be allowed to visit Mount Barker once a month – where both his mother and his former in-laws live – sparked objection.

Prosecutor Lucy Boord said Luca’s mother, Julia Trinne, did not want Mr Janzow anywhere near her family.

“Ms Trinne has been, with the greatest of respect, quite silent about a number of the changes and freedoms that have been granted, and she has nothing to say about him being released,” she said.

“However, it’s a step too far for Mr Janzow to be allowed to go into the Mount Barker community where her family members, who have also been traumatised by this, reside.

“Ms Trinne says that, as Mr Janzow’s world widens, hers narrows... this is an important issue for her, one that doesn’t impact on Mr Janzow’s life greatly but does impact upon her and her family.”

David Janzow with his children. Picture: Facebook

In July 2014, Mr Janzow killed his son Luca, 4, and was subsequently found not guilty of murder by reason of mental incompetence.

He received a limiting term – a period under mental health supervision equal to the prison sentence an unaffected person would receive – of life.

Following the tragedy, Luca’s mother, Julia Trinne, called for “greater awareness and acceptance of the mentally unwell”.

Prior to his application for release, Mr Janzow has been held at both the high-security James Nash House facility and its “step-down” area, Ashton House.

Luca Janzow. Picture: Released by the Supreme Court

On Monday, Stephen Ey, for Mr Janzow, said his client already had permission to visit his mother at her home on Mount Baker’s outskirts, but wanted to be able to go into town as well.

Ms Boord said that was unnecessary and that the Trinne family “just don’t want to run into him”.

“It’s not a safety issue, it’s not a fear issue, it’s a trauma issue,” she said.

“They do not want to be traumatised again and reminded again of their loss.”

When Justice Judy Hughes indicated she was unlikely to grant the request, Mr Ey withdrew his client’s application.

Justice Hughes then authorised Mr Janzow’s release from James Nash House and its connected facilities and ordered he continue his rehabilitation in the community.

He will remain under supervision and must obey all medical and therapeutic orders, or risk being returned to a secure facility.