Tyrone Thomas Williams: Albany father who threatened to stab partner with scissors in front of child sentenced

An Albany father who threatened to stab his partner with scissors, jump on her head and yelled that he would “go to jail for murder” while she was on the phone with police has avoided immediate imprisonment. Tyrone Thomas Williams, 38, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Albany Magistrates Court on June 5 for making a threat to unlawfully do an act in circumstances of aggravation. Police prosecutor Sgt Gary Simpson said the incident occurred at the couple’s Yakamia home at 6.15am on May 15 while several of their young children were present. A argument about jealousy sparked the incident and resulted in the 38-year-old threatening to stab the victim with scissors and jump on her head. While she was on the phone with police, he yelled he would “go to jail for murder” and left the home before police attended. Their five-year-old child was present at the time. Williams returned to the address and was arrested after the victim again called police while sheltering in the bathroom with the children. Defence lawyer Raymond Muir asked for a fine, saying that Williams had “numerous stresses” in his life and did not intend to act on the words that were said “out of frustration”. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said Williams’ record, which includes previous family violence charges, was not mitigating and a fine was not adequate. “Regardless of whether you intended to carry out any such threat, the words that you spoke were very concerning indeed,” she said. “You indicated that you would get scissors and stab her. “I don’t think there’s any indication on the facts if you did grab any such implement, but you said those words, and then followed by saying you would go to jail for murder. “You cannot be saying those things and I’m sure it would have been very, very frightening.” Williams was sentenced to eight months jail, suspended for eight months with program and supervision requirements. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.