Alex Daniel McDonald jailed for attacking landlord with axe handle at Mullumbimby
A northern NSW landlord feared for his life after a parolee staying in a caravan on his property was “set off” and savagely attacked him. Here’s what happened.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A convicted thief threatened to “finish off” his landlord during a horrific attack at a northern NSW property.
Alex Daniel McDonald fronted Tweed Local Court from custody on Tuesday after pleading guilty to recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
The 28-year-old also pleaded guilty to four counts of receiving a stolen car part, breaking and entering, two counts of receiving property stolen outside of NSW, larceny, two counts of receiving stolen property, possessing an illegal drug and deemed supply of a prohibited drug.
Documents tendered to court state the male victim allowed McDonald to live on his large Mullumbimby property in a caravan with his girlfriend in exchange for help with mechanical work.
The victim told police McDonald’s behaviour started changing after a few months and “the smallest thing would set him off”.
On the day of the June 2023 attack, the victim noticed mechanical equipment missing from his shed.
McDonald if he knew about the whereabouts of the items which triggered the offender, according to the documents.
“Are you accusing me of stealing?” McDonald said.
“You old f--king prick. I’m gonna finish you off.”
McDonald swung an axe handle at the 63-year-old victim, striking his shoulder and causing him to drop to the ground.
“You’re trying to steal my girlfriend,” McDonald shouted as he stood on the victim before striking him up to 15 more times.
Court documents state McDonald’s girlfriend yelled at him to stop, which gave the victim a chance to run towards his house.
However, the offender caught up with him and struck him on the head with the axe handle multiple times.
The man managed to flee and called triple-0. He was taken to hospital with cuts, three bone fractures and forehead bruising.
The victim told police he thought McDonald would kill him, the documents state.
McDonald was on parole for multiple other offences at the time, including breaking and entering, the court heard.
McDonald’s lawyer Tomas Puentes said his client had a “hard” time in custody over the past 14 months, which was exacerbated by mental illnesses including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“He is still a young man, he has the support of his loved ones at the back of the court,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate Geoffrey Dunlevy said the victim suffered “serious” harm at the hands of McDonald.
Mr Dunlevy questioned McDonald’s remorse and told the court that he maintained the victim assaulted him first.
“Even if that did occur, what followed after was a wholly disproportionate and overly violent response,” Mr Dunlevy said.
Mr Dunlevy sentenced McDonald to three years jail with a non-parole period of two years.
With time already served, McDonald will be released in June next year. The full sentence is due to expire in June 2026.
Another appeal after savage attack on elderly ex-police officer
A Casino woman has appealed a jail-term after she encouraged a group attack on a 76-year-old ex-cop, punched the man and smashed his phone in a Lismore street. Here’s the latest.
Fatally injured mum told ambo boyfriend attacked her
An inquest into the horrendous death of a northern NSW mother due to traumatic head injuries has heard she agreed when asked if her boyfriend “did this”. Possible criminal charges have now been flagged.