Damian Leslie Harper found guilty of 2019 attempted murder of former wife, two young sons

A Tasmanian father has been found guilty of the attempted murder of his ex-wife and their two young sons. LATEST >>

Photo of man being abusive

A Tasmanian father has been found guilty of the attempted murder of his ex-wife and their two young sons.

Damian Leslie Harper was found guilty by a jury on three counts of attempted murder, one count of wounding and one count of aggravated burglary.

He faced trial in Burnie Supreme Court over the incident, which unfolded at the home of his former in-law’s home at Cuprona on January, 22, 2019.

During the trial, prosecutor Linda Mason told the jury that Harper had travelled to the property with a cricket bat and a box cutter – or stanley knife.

The court was told that Harper got into the house through a partially open window.

While cutting his youngest child’s throat, the boy woke up and alerted his older brother – who was sleeping on the top bunk bed.

The court was told Harper used a box cutter or a stanley knife to stab his former wife and cut the throat of his youngest son.

He then stabbed his wife when she came to the children’s aid, and told her he was going to kill her.

Harper’s father-in-law, who has since died, also fought back during the attack.

The court was told that Harper then cut at his own throat before police arrived.

Harper’s lawyer, Greg Richardson, told the court that while the “factual assertions” of the incident would not be challenged, the “primary issue” was his client’s “state of mind”.

The matter will return to court in May for sentencing submissions.