Justin Christopher Finnis in Maroochydore court for stabbing ex’s fiance

A Sunshine Coast man was left with a deep wound when he was ushered out of bed and stabbed in the cheek by his fiance’s ex. Find out why.

Justin Christopher Finnis

A Palmwoods father-of-three and farrier has faced court for causing a deep wound to his ex partner’s fiance using a screwdriver.

Justin Christopher Finnis, now 40, was given two years prison to be released on parole after serving six months.

The court heard Finnis was outside his ex partner’s house on December 2, 2020, and summoned her fiance to join him outside.

The pair were face-to-face when Finnis said “I’m going to stab you in the neck” before striking him in the left cheek area with a 20cm-long screwdriver causing a “deep” 4cm long cut.

Judge Nathan Jarro said the victim partially blacked out and when he woke up he had a strange sensation on his cheek, along with “significant” bruising and swelling.

“He was crying, shivering and sweating profusely,” Judge Jarro said.

The wound cut through the skin and into the muscle and required eight stitches in hospital.

The court heard Finnis “saw red” when he was told that his eldest child was allegedly strangled by the fiance earlier that day.

Finnis had been diagnosed with ADHD and adjustment disorder where he resorts to anger and aggression.

Defence barrister Carmen De Marco said her client moved to Queensland six years ago and had been making efforts to rehabilitate.

Ms De Marco said Finnis had abused drugs and alcohol throughout his life and had consistent work history as a farrier.

“He was cooperative with police … he is remorseful,” Ms De Marco said.

She said Finnis’ ex partner and the mother of his children had stopped Finnis from being able to contact them.

Judge Jarro said he understood Finnis was concerned for the safety of his children but that he couldn’t take matters into his own hands.

“You are a mature man who should know better,” he said.

A conviction was recorded for the offence of wounding that Finnis pleaded guilty to.