Terry Fantakis: Sam Karmas’ killer in court action to retrieve tools
Convicted killer Terry Fantakis is putting his spare time in prison to use, not to appeal his 24-year jail term, but to instead launch legal proceedings against the NSW Police over tools he won’t be able to access for another 11 years.
NSW
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Despite being incarcerated and serving a 24-year jail term murderer Terry Fantakis wants his tools back.
The convicted killer is seeking the tools, personal items and $5000 cash returned to him in legal action he has launched against the NSW Police.
Fantakis, a former western Sydney builder, is currently in the Macquarie Correctional Centre serving out a minimum of 18 years before being eligible for parole over the 2011 murder of his neighbour Sam Karmas.
Documents tendered to the Burwood Local Court this week reveal the now 46-year-old has been locked in a lengthy legal battle with cops for the past two years over the property.
If successful, Fantakis will not be able to receive the property until at least October 3, 2031 when he is eligible for release on parole.
Fantakis, who is representing himself, is arguing the property has no forensic purpose to any pending legal proceedings and is demanding veteran Bankstown Police Sergeant Paul Stamoulis attend court to give evidence.
His attempt to subpoena Sgt Stamoulis has been denied by a court registrar.
The items were taken from Fantakis’ home in August 2011 in the wake of Mr Karmas’ murder, however, he is arguing the $5000 has to be returned as he was never convicted of dealing with proceeds of crime.
Fantakis killed Mr Karmas nine years ago over a delusion his next door neighbour was responsible for the death of his twin brother, who had recently committed suicide.
Mr Karmas followed Fantakis to another property in Punchbowl where he was then murdered and thrown into a van.
Mr Karmas’ body has never been found after it was dumped in the Georges River.
Fantakis’ legal case against the police is due back in court later this year.