Mother of five fronts court for attacking a multi-millionaire businessman

An intruder launched a frenzied attack on a multi-millionaire Williamstown businessman screaming “You’re going to die, you’re going to die”.

Police at the scene of an aggravated burglary in Williamstown where businessman Peter Gantidis was stabbed. Picture: Mark Buttler

An unprovoked and frenzied attack on a multi-millionaire businessman in his Williamstown home that left him with life-threatening injuries has landed a woman in jail for almost five years.

Kim Findlay broke into the home of Peter Gantidis about 1.30am on February 4, 2021 and when confronted, stabbed him multiple times.

Mr Gantidis spent three weeks in the Royal Melbourne Hospital with injuries to his chest, right shoulder and hands.

During then attack, the 49-year-old mother of three said she was going to kill the businessman after accusing him of murdering her son and raping her daughter.

Findlay and Gantidis did not know each other.

She was sentenced by the County Court on Monday to four years’ and eight months’ jail with a minimum non parole of two years and six months.

Findlay pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary, recklessly causing serious injury and threatening to kill.

Judge Angela Ellis said Mr Gantidis did not strike first during the home invasion and while trying to get away, he also led Findlay to the front door to get her out.

He heard Findlay say, “You’re going to die, you’re going to die” before he fely himself being slashed.

Police investigating an aggravated burglary in Williamstown where businessman Peter Gantidis was stabbed in his home. Picture: Mark Buttler

Mr Gantidis twice called out to his 80-year-old-mother to ring police. At one stage, Mr Gantidis slipped over and Findlay got on top of him and stabbed him in the right shoulder with an unknown weapon. She also headbutted him and bit his fingers.

He then went upstairs to alert his mother to call 000 and when Mr Gantidis came back down, Findlay lunged at him from the kitchen with an unidentified weapon and repeatedly tried to stab him. She could be heard saying things like “I’m gonna kill your family, I’m gonna get your business”.

His mother saw Findlay holding a weapon to her son’s throat and said “Please don’t do it”.

Findlay then left through the front door and was arrested at her Rockbank home six days later.

Judge Ellis said Mr Gantidis and his mother did not know Findlay which must have made the attack all the more terrifying due to the unpredictability of what unfolded.

“It’s still unclear why you entered their premises. It appears to have been spontaneous offending. It was opportunistic. He did not pose a threat to you. In reality, you were a threat,” the judge said.

“You had multiple opportunities to leave but you didn’t do so. Your conduct once you were inside his home was bizarre, erratic, unpredictable and extremely violent. Once you were confronted by Mr Gantidis, you panicked and responded by way of violence.”

At Mr Gantidi’s home, police found Findlay’s dentures and a multi-tool fitted with a screw driver and hammer attachments.

Mr Gantidis is a well known businessman and his two-storey property overlooks the bay with CBD views, and is considered one of Williamstown’s most exclusive addresses. His father Peter Gantidis Sr founded the popular Melbourne River Cruises, a company which describes itself as “one of the most experienced companies on the Yarra River”.