Kerrie Lee Catling sentenced to manslaughter of Chris Catling in Rockhampton Supreme Court

The daughter of a woman who killed her husband by stabbing him in the chest has told a court about the daily devastation she and her siblings endure after the crime which took both their parents from them.

Chris Catling and Kerrie Catling.

The daughter of a woman who killed her husband by stabbing him in the chest more than three years ago has told the Supreme Court in Rockhampton she loves her parents despite both making “bad decisions” and causing her and her siblings’ lifelong pain.

Chris Catling was 51 when he died in hospital after he sustained a single stab wound from a knife to his chest in his family home in North Rockhampton on March 22, 2021.

His wife, Kerrie Lee Catling, was charged with murder in August, 2021.

Catling was arraigned in the Supreme Court in Rockhampton on April 8, where she pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.

On Tuesday, April 24, Catling was sentenced to nine years prison, with a parole eligibility date of August 2 this year after 994 days presentence custody was declared as time served.

Victim impact statements were read on out in the morning by their daughter Abby, and Mr Catling’s mother, Desley.

“On March 22, 2021 our lives changed dramatically,” Abby read to the court.

“Not only have we just lost our dad but (we are) going through the process of mum being convicted.

“The effect this has had on myself and my siblings is indescribable.

“The mental blow this has had on myself and my three siblings is that we have not experienced before.

Kerrie Catling pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of husband Chris Catling.

“We went from having both our parents present in both our lives to not having them present at all which has impacted us both tremendously.

“Revisiting past (pain) and having to for the first time talk about past events that occurred in our home is extremely painful all while still reeling with the grief of losing our dad and no longer having our mum present.

“All of this was a lot to take in for myself and my siblings on top of all of the misleading stories and assumptions on social media that added that next level of anxiety and stress.

“For the past three years myself and siblings have all gone through major transitions in life to which our parents haven’t been able to be here for and that has been the thing that has affected me most.

“Although this will be over today and a sentence will be given this doesn’t end for myself and my three siblings.

“In fact, for us this never truly ends.

“The (pain) from our past will forever live with us and our dad will miss out on our major life events.

“I don’t think anyone will ever truly understand how hard this has been for us.

“I love my mum and my dad so much and feel so torn every day over all of this.

“Both mum and dad have made bad decisions and caused myself and three siblings' (pain) but they are still my mum and dad and I love them.”

MOTHER’S ‘BROKEN HEART’

Desley Catling told the court her son Chris was born at Roma Hospital on March 3, 1970 and she had been “blessed to see my son grow from this baby into an amazing, humble, hardworking man and a man with a heart of gold and a smile no one will ever forget”.

“Nearly two years later in 1971, Chris became the big brother to Julie.

“This is when his true nature revealed a protective and caring personality.

“Normal sibling rivalry but always had each other's back. Best mates. They had loads of friends.

“I can say Chris and Julie never caused any trouble for my husband and me other than arm injuries from sport and chipped teeth at the town pool.

“At the age of 16 Chris entered the mining sector, starting as a junior miner, advancing to an adult miner at 18.

“Chris was still working in the industry at the time of death.

“I remember his keenness to start working at the same place as his dad.

“He expressed plans to work hard and invest toward security for himself and future.

“Chris displayed loyalty in bucketloads.

“He just kept on working, for his family was his duty and joy.

“His loyalty to his Roosters from a youngster – joy when they won, accepting friendly banter from friends when they lost.

Chris Catling died from a single stab wound at a Norman Gardens home on March 22, 2021.

“His love of rugby league at a young age to the time of his death saw him volunteering his time as clubman for the Middlemount Panthers Rugby League Club.

“He enjoyed Australia Day competitions in Rockhampton, showed his respect to the ANZAC yearly as well.”

She told the court she would never forget the moment she was told of Chris’ death on March 22, 2021.

“I couldn’t believe it. My heart had been broken.

“A part of me that cannot be healed or replaced.

“This is a battle day and night.

“Outwardly, we function, socialise, smile and participate in life but underneath the pain and grieving are constant.

“Triggers like watching his Roosters playing, a song, older LandCruisers like his, a similar beard to his.

“If only he was here with us and we could be enjoying life as it should be.

“Julie and I have found comfort in loving family and genuine friends who Chris knew.

“Their memories relay of a good human soul with a big heart, big smile and caring friendship.

“My dream would be to see my sin in front of me.

“My dream would be to have my son give me one of his big bearhugs.

“I will miss him forever.

“Chris was a funny, caring, loyal son, brother, uncle, nephew, husband, father and would have been a loving grandfather given the chance.

“Love you son until we meet again.”

Originally published as Kerrie Lee Catling sentenced to manslaughter of Chris Catling in Rockhampton Supreme Court