The family of Tina Kontozis have shared the heartbreaking impact her death has had on their lives during a court appearance on Friday.
Her three brothers, mother and son spoke during the sentencing hearing of her former partner, Stephen James Boyd, who pleaded guilty to her death earlier this year.
Ms Kontozis was brutally attacked with a cricket bat and stabbed with a knife several times at her Bundeena home on April 24, 2016.
The public gallery was filled with friends and family of Tina, many sporting a white ribbon in a show of support against domestic violence.
Son Daniel Boyd stood as he delivered his victim impact statement- proudly wearing a white ribbon pin.
He said since her death he lived with a overwhelming sense of sadness and disbelief and at times felt fearful and depressed.
“I hate going to bed because of the fear of nightmares,’’ he said.
He said that fear kept him checking the door every time before he went to sleep.
He described his father as a evil narcissist who he had feared since his early teens.
He said the death of his mother had left a big hole in his life.
“My mum loved to dance, she loved the beach and she loved to laugh,’’ he said.
“I miss the constant flow of friends coming by the house from the Bundeena community.
“I’ll miss her joyous laugh, her cooking and her sense of humor.
“You may have taken my mother away from me forever but you cannot take my memories.’’
All three of Tina’s brother also spoke.
Eldest brother James Kontozis said Mr Boyd was a selfish bully who only ever thought of himself.
He said it was in direct contrast to Tina who helped the community by working at a child care center and writing a children’s book about the environment.
“Everything we do is for Tina, her son, and her legacy,’’ he said.
“It is intolerable to think that she will never see Daniel’s achievements.
“To say that Tina was loved by everybody is an understatement.
“We’ll miss Tina’s love and happy go lucky nature. The pain never goes away.’’
Also speaking was Tina’s mother Helen who has now taken over the role of raising Daniel.
She said she was devastated by the death of her only daughter.
“A mother should never expect to have to bury one of her own children,’’ she said.
“My heart is fractured and can never be repaired.
“I’m a prisoner in my own home now because I can’t face the outside world.’’
The court heard that it wasn’t the first time Mr Boyd had attacked the pair with a Apprehended Violence Order put in place after an assault on Tina and Daniel in July 2015 - around 10 months before the fatal attack.
The hearing continues before Justice Julia Lonergan.