Mario Fenech: Londonderry man appears in court on domestic violence charges
A western Sydney man has faced court after allegedly flying into a destructive rage and driving his car through the living room wall after his wife ended their 17-year marriage.
Penrith
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A man who allegedly flew into a destructive rage and drove a car through the family home after his wife called time on their 17-year relationship has faced court.
Mario Fenech, 55 faced Penrith District Court on Friday on charges of stalking or intimidation with the intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm, intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging property and using carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
Police allege on the night of April 12, Fenech flew into a fit of rage after his wife, with whom he shares two adult children, communicated she did not wish to continue their relationship.
The conversation led to Fenech allegedly damaging household items, pulling cabinets off walls and smashing home decor.
It is alleged the 55-year-old man recorded and sent videos of himself smashing up items to his wife and can be heard allegedly calling her a “f***ing c**t” and “cop this I’ll bulldoze the house down”.
About 10pm Fenech drove his car through the front gate of the Londonerry property before driving through the garage wall and living room causing an estimated $80,000 worth of damage.
A short time later Fenech’s son-in-law and two friends arrived and restrained Fenech before calling emergency services. Fenech was taken to hospital due to injuries he had sustained during his alleged offending.
The next day police visited the Londonderry man and served him with an apprehended domestic violence order, barring him from contacting the victim for two years.
On receiving the order Fenech told police he had been upset, allegedly saying: “I did it, I smashed the whole house up, you’ll see when you go there.”
He was then placed under arrest and served a court attendance notice.
The court heard Fenech was a “responsible, trusted, and hardworking person” and had two character witnesses prepared to give references to the court.
Fenech had been experiencing depression related to the breakdown of his marriage.
It was also heard that Mr Fenech had been a willing participant in mental health treatment and had actively sought assistance.
The charges were dealt with under the Mental Health Act on the condition he continue with his treatment plan.
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