David Joseph Parker used power tools to try and break down door after fixation on a dog

A former carpenter left a Burleigh Heads family living in terror after he became fixated on their one-eyed dog. He dognapped the canine before weeks later making a terrifying attempt to break into their home. WATCH THE VIDEO

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AN ELDERLY woman was left living a “nightmare” after a complete stranger used an angle grinder, sledgehammer and chisel to break down her front door because he was fixated on her dog.

David Joseph Parker filmed himself destroying the door to the Burleigh Heads home on December 19 last year, yelling threats and claiming the one-eyed Shih tzu was his.

The attack came just months after the 46-year-old had dognapped the elderly dog Romi when the canine was being walked early morning in Burleigh Heads.

Parker was released from prison on Friday. He has been behind bars since he tried to break down the door.

The attack was sparked by David Joseph Parker’s fixation on Romi, 14, the one-eyed shih tzu. Picture: Richard Graves

The former carpenter pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to multiple charges including stalking, stealing and fraud.

Judge Rowan Jackson sentenced Parker to three years prison with immediate parole release and three years probation.

A restraining order was also taken out restricting Parker from coming near the family for the next 10 years.

“Not surprisingly the complainants felt that they were in danger from your conduct which is frankly bizarre but also frightening,” Judge Jackson said.

The terrifying eight-minute video taken by Parker was played to the court.

A still from the terrifying video of David Joseph Parker using power tools and a hammer and chisel trying to breakdown the front door. Picture: Supplied

“I’m cutting my way through here and I’m cutting my way through anyone else,” Parker is heard yelling while trying to use an angle grinder to open the door.

His face is not shown but you can see Parker use the power tool to get through the security door before trying to use a chisel and hammer and then a sledgehammer to break through the wooden door.

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The resident Richard Graves and his son are heard yelling at Parker to stop.

Mr Graves’ mother, Eileen Graves, who owns Romi the dog, was so terrified she needed medical treatment.

Romi, 14, the one-eyed shih tzu. Picture: Richard Graves

“He is mine, I’m not going to let you torture him any longer,” Parker yelled.

The video is laden with expletives and threats.

Prosecutor Kathleen Christopherson said the attack at the door came after months of harassment.

On October 30 while Mrs Graves was walking Romi early in the morning, Parker snatched the dog. Romi was returned a day later after a public search.

But Parker would continue to make threatening calls to the Graves and leave notes at their home.

“I spoke to the complainants just before court and they said it is really hard to put into words the emotional damage this has put them in right up to today,” Ms Christopherson said.

“The one-year anniversary of the final incident with the door is coming up and that is causing them a lot of stress.”

Eileen Graves reunited with her dog Romi at her Burleigh Heads Home. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

Ms Christopherson said Parker’s behaviour turned the family’s life upside down.

“It was a nightmare … they were confused why a stranger was fixated on them,” she said.

The court was told the family had considered selling their home because of the terror.

Defence lawyer Emma Higgins said Parker had been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and had ADHD.

She said at the time of the incident he had stopped taking his medication due to financial difficulties.

The court was told that while in prison Parker had been assaulted a number of times.

When contacted by the Bulletin, Mr Graves declined to comment.

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