Warren Greenup: South Penrith man stabbed son-in-law Cameron Parkin over daughter’s DV claims

A man who sought “retribution” for alleged domestic violence against his daughter by stabbing his son-in-law at a crowded Sydney train station has been jailed.

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

An elderly South Penrith man who sought “retribution” for alleged domestic violence against his daughter by stabbing his son-in-law at a crowded Sydney train station has been jailed for eight years.

Warren John Greenup, 74, was supported by his wife and family when he appeared in the dock at Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to wounding with intent to murder.

In reading out the agreed facts, Judge Warwick Hunt said Greenup “was aware of allegations” his daughter’s estranged husband Cameron Parkin had assaulted her in the past. Parkin has not been charged over any domestic violence against Greenup’s daughter..

The court heard it had been arranged by Greenup’s daughter for her parents to meet Mr Parkin at Central train station.

Judge Hunt said Greenup packed a knife, and a month’s worth of medication in a purple bag before arriving at the station by public transport.

Eidan Havas from First Choice Legal Services.

Daniel Grippi, barrister representing Eidan Havas.

After meeting with Mr Parkin, Greenup stabbed the victim “in between his shoulder blades”, before stabbing him in the back again.

The court heard Greenup swung the knife towards Mr Parkin, however, he was punched in the chest and face “three or four times”, causing him to fall backwards.

Shortly after, Greenup chased Mr Parkin through the station before the victim reached safety and he was later conveyed to Royal Prince Alfred hospital and treated for his injuries. He was released three days later.

Judge Hunt said Greenup made “several admissions at the scene”, saying it was “premeditated” and Mr Parkin had been a “c**t” to his daughter.

The crime scene of the stabbing. Picture: Damian Shaw

In a later interview with police, Judge Hunt revealed Greenup said he intended to “kill the victim” while acknowledging it was a “brazen attack in a public place”.

The court heard “none of the injuries were … life threatening”.

By looking at Greenup’s personal circumstances, Judge Hunt said it was “powerful but not uncomplicated”, noting he had no criminal record for 72 years and had experienced a “very difficult upbringing”, including “family violence and sexual trespasses against him”.

Judge Hunt was persuaded the 74-year-old was “suffering from a major depressive episode” at the time of the knife attack and his time remanded in custody had been “more onerous” due to his mental condition.

While accepting “there was a level of provocation”, Judge Hunt acknowledged there was also a “level of over-reaction” and described it as a “flagrant act of vigilantism”.

But, in assessing Greenup’s remorse, Judge Hunt said the fact he hadn’t shown any “makes it impossible that he has good prospects of rehabilitation”.

Greenup was sentenced to eight years jail, with a non-parole period of four years and nine months, making him eligible for parole on September 3, 2026.