The Simon Gittany Murder Case

Assessment 1 – Case Study: The Simon Gittany Murder Case

Questions:

1. What type of homicide is featured in this case? (Note: Be as specific as possible) [4 marks]

The homicide case surrounding Simon Gittany and Lisa Harnum is a case of intimate partner homicide. Intimate partner homicide is the unlawful killing of a partner where the victim and the offender have a current or former intimate relationship (ABS, 2018). Gittany and Lisa Harnum were in an intimate partner relationship where they resided in Sydney. Before Lisa was murdered, the couple were engaged to wed. This specific homicide case of R v Gittany (2013), Lisa Harnum was unlawfully killed by her former intimate partner, Simon Gittany. Simon was later charged with murder and was sentenced to a term period of 26 years with a non-parole period of 18 years imprisonment (R v Gittany, 2013).

1. What are the main characteristics of the offender (eg. age, ethnicity, occupation, previous criminal history, previous victimisation, health-related issues, family history)? [15 marks] 225 words

The offender, Simon Gittany is a 46-year-old male living in Australia. He was born in Australia, although has an immigrant background.  Simon’s mother and father provided a secure and stable upbringing for him and his 5 other siblings.

1. To what extent are these offender characteristics similar to or different from general patterns in offenders who commit this particular type of homicide? (Please provide references for information provided on trends in the general offender characteristics). [15 marks] 225 words

Simon Gittany is a male which is an extremely common offender characteristic in intimate partner homicides, where the victim is found to be female. According to the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board’s Annual report, between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2018, there has been 147 cases of intimate partner homicide. Out of the 147 cases of intimate partner homicide, 118 cases proved to be perpetrated by males.

1. What are the main characteristics of the victim (eg. age, ethnicity, occupation, previous criminal history, previous victimisation, health-related issues, family history)? [15 marks] 225 words

Lisa Harnum was the victim in a case of intimate partner homicide. Lisa Harnum was 30 years of age when she was murdered by her fiancé, Simon Gittany. Lisa was born in Toronto, Canada where she spent the first 20 years of her life and then moved to Australia when she was 20 years old. In 2010, Lisa moved into an apartment with Simon as a flatmate and over the years of living together, a relationship developed. Lisa undertook a hairdressing course and also worked part-time at the same hairdressing salon. Lisa was described as a warm and vivacious person by her friends and family, and frequently made fun of herself around her friends which made them laugh.