Alex Daniel McDonald’s court appeal fails after he brutally bashed Mullumbimby landlord with axe handle

A Northern Rivers tenant who brutally bashed his older landlord with an axe handle, accusing him of trying to steal his girlfriend, has tried to have his jail-term slashed.

Alex Daniel McDonald failed to have his sentence reduced on appeal. Picture: Facebook

A Northern Rivers tenant who brutally bashed his older landlord with an axe handle, accusing him of “trying to steal” his girlfriend, will remain locked up after a failed court appeal.

Alex Daniel McDonald, 28, told Lismore District Court he “overreacted” when he struck the 63-year-old victim more than 15 times at a Mullumbimby property in June last year.

McDonald faced the court in prison greens before Judge Jonathan Priestley on Tuesday.

He was sentenced at Tweed Heads Local Court in August to three years jail with a non-parole period of two years.

The victim told police McDonald’s behaviour started changing after a few months and “the smallest thing would set him off”.

Representing himself, the convicted crook told the court he couldn’t get a lawyer “at such short notice” for the appeal, but he still insisted on proceeding.

McDonald was allowed to live at the property with his partner in exchange for help with mechanical work, court documents state.

The victim noticed mechanical gear missing from his shed the day of the attack and questioned McDonald.

“Are you accusing me of stealing?” McDonald replied.

“You old f--king prick. I’m gonna finish you off.”

McDonald launched the prolonged attack and his girlfriend shouted at him to stop, allowing the victim to bolt.

But McDonald caught up with the man and repeatedly struck him on the head with the weapon before he managed to flee and phone triple-0 for help.

He was taken to hospital suffering three fractured bones, bruising and cuts.

Judge Priestley told the court McDonald “stood over” his landlord and accused him of “trying to steal” his girlfriend in the attack.

The landlord was repeatedly hit with the handle of the axe.

The landlord had to undergo surgery to treat his injuries.

A psychologist’s report handed to the court states McDonald had a stable upbringing and left school with a good work ethic in year 10.

However, the Covid pandemic impacted his employment and he slipped into a life of drug use and crime, the court was told.

Judge Priestley said McDonald indicated he was “sorry” for his “poor choices”, but the judge deemed that a “massive understatement”.

“He says he overreacted … but he struck Mr Taylor several times with the axe,” Judge Priestley said.

The judge noted the landlord “had been assisting“ McDonald by providing a place to stay.

McDonald was on parole for multiple other offences when he bashed the man.

Lismore Courthouse. Picture: Cath Piltz

Judge Priestley said the attack was the most serious of McDonald’s recent offending.

The original sentence was upheld. McDonald is due to be released in June next year, considering time served.

McDonald’s mother blew her son a kiss from the gallery as he was sent back behind bars.

He previously pleaded guilty to recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, as well as five counts of receiving stolen property and two counts each of receiving property stolen outside of NSW and receiving stolen property.

He also pleaded guilty to larceny, breaking and entering, drug possession and drug supply.

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Originally published as Alex Daniel McDonald’s court appeal fails after he brutally bashed Mullumbimby landlord with axe handle