Warren Greenup: Man stabbed son-in-law Cameron Parkin over daughter’s alleged DV horror

A man’s fury over his belief that his daughter had been the victim of domestic violence led to a violent stabbing at Central train station in front of shocked onlookers, a court has heard.

Police in front of the crime scene at Central station on December 4, 2021. Picture: Damian Shaw

A 74-year-old man who violently stabbed his son-in-law in a crowded Sydney train station was motivated by revenge after alleged acts of domestic violence against his daughter, a court has heard.

Warren John Greenup of South Penrith, was supported by his wife and family when he appeared by videolink at Downing Centre District Court on Friday, to be sentenced for wounding with intent to murder.

Video footage captured on CCTV depicted Greenup approaching his son-in-law Cameron Parkin from behind and stabbing him with a knife, near the entrance of Country Concourse at Central train station on December 4, 2021.

The 74-year-old then stabbed the man once more, before chasing him through the station. The victim reached safety when he returned to the scene of the initial attack and was met by bystanders and a police officer.

Greenup’s legal team, consisting of barrister Daniel Grippi and lawyer Eidan Havas, made submissions the attack was provoked by alleged acts of domestic violence over a number of years against his daughter.

Eidan Havas from First Choice Legal Services.

Defence barrister Daniel Grippi.

The court heard at the time of the incident, Greenup had an “operative mental illness”.

In written submissions, tendered to the court, Greenup’s lawyers argued the victim had allegedly violently punched Greenup’s daughter in the ribs and dragged her.

The crime scene of the stabbing. Picture: Damian Shaw

The crown prosecutor James Staples accepted provocation was a “live issue”, and referenced “trivial” emails over the custody of a child as being a motivation behind the attack.

This was rejected by Mr Grippi, who told the court it was the alleged domestic violence against Greenup’s daughter.

Mr Staples told the court Greenup’s response was disproportionate and the act of packing a knife in his bag indicated his intent to kill, as well as packing his medication as he knew he was going to be arrested.

The prosecutor told the court the South Penrith man was “somewhat happy” about the attack and was “boastful”, referencing a doctor’s report.

The matter will return to court in July.