Homicide Case Study

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What type of homicide is featured in this case? [4 marks]

The type of homicide featured in The Simon Gittany Murder Case is that of an intimate partner homicide (IPH). An intimate partner homicide describes threatening or coercive behaviour, physical, sexual and economic abuse by a person towards another person with whom an intimate relationship exists (Cdc.gov, 2015). Simon Gittany was found guilty on the 27th of November 2013 and penalized to 18 years imprisoned without liberation due to murdering Lisa Cecilia Harnum on the 30th of July 2011. At the time of Lisa’s death, Lisa and Simon were living together and were engaged to be married. They live on the apartments in Sydney on 15th floor of a block. Lisa Harnum fell from the balcony of that apartment. Simon Gittany was found to have purposely lifted Lisa Harnum over the balustrade and "unloaded" her body over the edge where she then fell to her death. The intention of killing was formed quickly in a state of rage. It was not proven to be planned, there was a witness stating that Lisa Harnum had spoken about receiving threats from Simon Gittany; who came forward late in the trail and this evidence was not included in the trial. With regards to Simon Gittany’s intention to kill Lisa Harnum the judge said, “Based on my inspection of the balcony during the trial, and its height from the ground below, I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the act of unloading the body from that height can only have been done with the intention of killing Ms Harnum” (AustLII 2015).

What are the main characteristics of the offender? [15 marks]

40 years old offender Simon Gittany, he is one of six children raised in Sydney after his parents emigrated from Lebanon. He closes to his family and had a stable upbringing. Also, he completed high school and received the Higher School Certificate and he obtained employment as a tiler, but did not remain in a job for longer than about 6 months, between employment he stayed at home. His mother did everything for him and did not expect him to pay rent and (AustLII 2015). At the age of 18, he was convicted of an offence of assault and was released on good behaviour (AustLII 2015). At the age of 21, he was convicted of two offences; receiving stolen property and assaulting a police office in the execution of his duty. He was sentenced to a total of 2.5 years to be served by periodic detention. The circumstances of the assault and malicious wounding was on 23rd March 1993, two police officers attended his home after he failed to appear at Parramatta Local Court in relation to the two charges of receiving stolen property. During the visit, he became agitated and he bit Detective Constable Bristow on the ear severing a portion of it (AustLII 2015). At the time of the murder he claimed that he was running his own business and it is unclear whether he was. He has several friends and family willing to do character references for him (AustLII 2015).