A South Australian father has spoken about the “absolutely terrifying” day his wife tried to gas their two young daughters.
On August 6 last year, the 45-year-old mother told the girls she would see them “in a new life” before locking all the doors and windows of their West Croydon house and turning the gas stove on.
Reading his victim impact statement at an Adelaide District Court yesterday, the father said he was “absolutely terrified” when his daughter called him to tell hill what her mother had said.
“I had no way to get my kids and I did not know what was happening. I managed to call my friend to ask him to help out,” he said.
“Since then, I have been unable to get my head around why she would do this — how could anyone do this to any children let alone her own.
“I am angry, embarrassed and ashamed that the mother of my children could do this to them. I want justice for my kids.
“I would not wish this upon my worst enemy but (the mother) needs to be punished for what she did. I can’t ever forgive her for what she did to those beautiful kids.”
The children were found crying hysterically when the father’s friend broke into the house. Their mother was passed out on the couch.
The mother – who had a history of substance abuse problems and had been in several abusive relationships – then threatened to kill the children again while home on bail two months after the incident.
The mother has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and will be sentenced later this month.
