Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji: Oran Park man to be sentenced on horror antics at Narellan McDonald’s

A man who attempted to mow down a woman by driving his car into a McDonald’s restaurant before running into the store brandishing a knife is still waiting to learn his fate.

A man who attempted to mow down a woman by driving his car into a McDonald’s restaurant before running into the store brandishing a knife is still waiting to learn his fate.

Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji, 28, pleaded guilty to three counts of using an offensive weapon intending to commit an indictable offence, destroying or damaging property worth between $5000 and $15,000, and contravening the conditions of an AVO.

Despite facing a sentencing hearing in February this year, the Oran Park resident is still waiting to learn his fate while in custody on remand.

It was revealed at Campbelltown District Court last week that two expert witnesses would tender more evidence, and both would be required for cross-examination by the defence and one for the prosecution.

The confronting video of the terrifying incident shows the SUV hurtling towards the entrance of Narellan McDonald’s where it ran over two bollards, shattered glass and sent tables flying before he leapt out of the car, pausing only to grab a knife.

Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji confronted the woman who tried to hide.

Court documents reveal the woman ran inside the door moments before and told the manager on duty: “You need to lock the doors. He’s gonna kill me. Ring the police”.

The victim, whose identity is protected by a court order, hid inside the store in terror alongside two employees.

Al-Khafaji confronted the victim while she defended herself with a broom and told her “I’m going to kill you,” as she begged him not to hurt her.

Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji.

The store manager tried de-escalating the situation before Al-Khafaji punched a blue plastic bucket and walked off. As he left, the staff contacted triple-0 and locked the doors.

After he was arrested, Al-Khafaji was charged with breaching an AVO after he contacted the victim through a family member making a three-way phone call.

According to court documents, the victim said: “You shouldn’t be talking to me. You tried to kill me”. Al-Khafaji replied: “Weren’t you happy I did that cause it shows you I’m serious about you”.

At court on Thursday, Al-Khafaji asked Judge Tanya Smith if he was to be sentenced on November 2, but she advised he would not learn his fate that day.