A central Queensland man has been sentenced to more than seven years jail for stabbing his then-girlfriend's ex-boyfriend during a daylight altercation in Rockhampton last year.
Gracemere resident Lincon Dale Seaby, 21, faced the District Court of Rockhampton today charged with one count of committing a malicious act with intent.
He pleaded guilty in June, a day before the case was set to go to trial.
The court heard Seaby stabbed the 21-year-old victim in the chest and slashed his head with a knife while he was in his car at the intersection of Jesse and Spencer Streets in June 2019.
Seaby's defence told the court there was no "premeditation or planning" behind the attack, which took place after the victim had rammed Seaby's car after a chance encounter at a nearby intersection.
The prosecution told the court the victim needed to be resuscitated at the scene and later needed multiple blood transfusions.
The court heard also the victim suffered a large haemothorax – a collection of blood between the chest wall and lung – and continued to suffer respiratory issues.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Leanne Clare said the attack was "a nearly murderous overreaction by a powerfully built man with an entrenched propensity for violence."
"Without emergency treatment, [the victim] would have died and you would be here on a homicide charge," she said.
Guilty man 'very sorry'
Judge Clare said there was bad blood between the men and that the circumstances had spiralled.
"Your parents and your sister helped you block the road," she said.
"[The victim] was still in his car unable to move forward, you had your stepfather and the rest of your family with you.
"You took a knife and your brothers to [the victim's] car.
"[The victim] slid to the passenger's side to stay out of your reach, but you kept coming for him.
"As you opened the door and leaned in he hit you in the face.
"You then stabbed him in the chest.
The court heard Seaby was on probation for a number of domestic violence charges and for distributing child pornography at the time of the offending.
Seaby briefly addressed the court, saying he was "very sorry" for his actions.
He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment, including the 14 months of pre-sentence he had already served.
No date was set for parole.
