Police arrest Stephen Boyd after his partner Tina Kontozis was found murdered

THE man suspected of bashing his former partner to death with a cricket bat could be subject to a hospital bedside hearing once he is well enough, police said.

THE man suspected of bashing his former partner to death with a cricket bat remains in hospital and could be subject to a bedside hearing once he is well enough, according to police.

Stephen Boyd, who is a suspect in the death of Tina Kontozis in her Bundeena home on Sunday, was involved in a police chase on Monday.

The pursuit ended when the man’s vehicle hit an embankment, NSW Police said. It’s believed the man struck his face on the steering wheel.

He was initially arrested and taken to Queanbeyan Police Station, however he was later taken to Queanbeyan Hospital – then transferred to Canberra Hospital for treatment of a broken jaw and a neck injury.

Police say it could be several days before Mr Boyd is released from Canberra Hospital.

This comes as family members of a woman allegedly beaten to death with a cricket bat have expressed grief and anger on social media.

Tina Kontozis was found in her home on Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena, south of Sydney on Sunday afternoon. Neighbours reported screaming coming from the home and police later found the 51-year-old bludgeoned to death.

Ms Kontozis’ partner Stephen Boyd was arrested over the attack after a manhunt intensified on Monday afternoon.

On Facebook on Monday night, her son updated his status with a simple message “Stop violence against women.”

A man believed to be her nephew wrote: “I’ve had people very close to me pass away before. It’s heartbreaking ... However, when someone is forcibly taken from us, it’s another feeling all together.

“I’ve never felt this much rage and anger in my life. You’ve caused my family and I so much grief today, you’ve literally ended the life of a harmless soul.”

Police confirmed on Monday a 51-year-old man was arrested just before 5pm on Wallace Street in Braidwood, following a pursuit with police.

The pursuit began on the Kings Highway about 3.40pm when his car was recognised by highway patrol officers.

It’s believed Mr Boyd was driving a silver 2002 model Holden Commodore sedan with NSW registration plates BZ 53 ZO.

Police want to speak to 51-year-old Stephen Boyd.

Forensic officers entering the Beachcomber Ave property.

The body of Tina Kontozis is taken away.

Friends arriving to lay flowers near the home of Tina Kontozis.

According to AAP, the teenage son changed his Facebook profile on Monday to a Stop Violence Against Women logo, with the caption “For Mum”.

Family members have offered tributes to Ms Kontozis, including her nephew Andrew Kontozis.

“You’ve caused my family and I so much grief today, you’ve literally ended the life of a harmless soul,” he wrote.

One neighbour told The Daily Telegraph the childcare worker was “the loveliest person” who would be missed by everyone in the small community.

Jan O’Callaghan said she was a friendly and bubbly lady who was always happy help.

“She was quite well known, she had lived here for a long time,” she said.

Police closed off a stretch of Beachcomber Ave as forensics officers and detectives searched the property.

Officers blocked off Bundeena Drive to all traffic.

+ Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

— with AAP

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Originally published as Police arrest Stephen Boyd after his partner Tina Kontozis was found murdered