South District burglary: man sentenced to over eight years in prison

A local man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison after he admitted to breaking into a South District home and trying to stab a woman.

St Joseph's Estate resident, 40-year-old Karl Danino, pleaded guilty to the offence of aggravated burglary five days before he was due to go on trial at the Supreme Court.

One night in March 2024, Karl Danino, high on drugs and alcohol, kicked open a neighbour's door while brandishing a pole and saying he was going to kill someone.

A woman, at home with her elderly parents, bravely fought to restrain him as he repeatedly tried to stab her with a metal pick that he had pulled from his pocket. 

The court heard how the attack left her with ‘substantial psychological harm’  as well as physical injuries that included an 8mm incision to her abdomen.  Her parents say they now live in fear.

After his arrest Danino was remanded in custody. Later that year, he was reported to police by his psychiatrist, after making several references to killing another doctor.  

In his sentencing remarks, the Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said the defendant’s years of drug and alcohol abuse had led to ‘complex and entrenched’ mental health issues. However, it was also noted that the defendant had repeatedly failed to complete rehabilitation programmes.

His previous convictions were also taken into consideration by the judge.

Ultimately, the Chief Justice sentenced him to eight years and one month custody for the burglary and an additional 20 weeks for the threats to kill. These are to be run consecutively – making a total prison sentence of eight and half years.

Mr Justice Dudley told Danino that he hoped he used his time in prison to address his substance issues and that he comes out a ‘new man without a need to turn back to drugs and alcohol’.

Jenny Allen and Justin Rodriguez appeared for the Crown.

Neil Costa, Jamie Hammond and Jeevan Daswani represented the defendant.