A photographer's background in boxing training may have been crucial in saving her life during a violent confrontation with a disgraced celebrity dentist in her Sydney apartment. The incident unfolded in a dramatic sequence of events that culminated in police shooting the attacker dead.
Violent Assault in Potts Point
Dr Steven Lin, a 41-year-old former dental nutritionist, launched attacks on two separate women at a residential building on St Neot Avenue in Potts Point, an inner-city suburb of Sydney. The violent spree began around 10:50 AM on Tuesday when Lin, armed with a knife, entered a communal laundry area within the secure unit complex.
Police investigations indicate that Lin gained access to the building by following another vehicle through the security gates. His first victim was stabbed in the face in the laundry area before he proceeded to force his way into photographer Chloe Paul's apartment unit.
Boxing Skills Prove Crucial
According to statements from Ms Paul's family, Lin demanded money from the mother-of-three, physically restrained her, beat her severely, and attempted to choke her during the assault. However, Ms Paul's previous training in boxing provided her with the physical skills and mental fortitude necessary to break free from his grip.
After managing to escape Lin's attack, Ms Paul immediately called triple-zero emergency services. She has since undergone surgery for a broken nose sustained during the violent encounter and is recovering in hospital.
Police Response and Fatal Shooting
When police officers arrived at the scene, they initially attempted to subdue Lin using a Taser, but the device proved ineffective. The situation escalated when Lin, a father-of-six, lunged aggressively toward the officers. In response, one officer fired a single round, striking Lin.
Despite immediate medical attention from paramedics, Lin could not be revived at the scene. Police have confirmed that Lin had no prior relationship with either of his female victims, making the attacks appear to be random acts of violence.
Photographer's Professional Background
Chloe Paul is a talented portrait and social photographer whose work has been featured in prestigious publications including Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, and InStyle. Her professional portfolio includes collaborations with luxury brands such as Prada, Dior, Moet & Chandon, Burberry, and Christian Louboutin.
Lin's Troubled Descent
Steven Lin was once a world-renowned Australian dental nutritionist who co-owned two successful dental practices on the New South Wales Central Coast. He authored the best-selling book "The Dental Diet" and maintained a substantial social media presence, offering health advice to more than 250,000 Instagram followers.
However, Lin's life spiraled downward in recent years following the breakdown of his marriage, which coincided with revelations that he had secretly fathered a child outside the marriage. This personal crisis reportedly led to a severe addiction to the drug ice (crystal methamphetamine).
History of Violence Against Women
In the years preceding his death, Lin faced multiple court appearances for offences against women, including stalking, physical assaults, choking incidents, and breaches of apprehended violence orders. Just days before the fatal Potts Point attack, Lin appeared in Wollongong Local Court facing charges related to choking and assaulting a sex worker and stealing $2,000 from her in March 2025.
Court documents revealed that at the time of that incident, Lin had already accumulated four breaches of bail conditions, two assault offences, and two choking offences on his record. The Daily Mail has reached out to Chloe Paul for further comment regarding her traumatic experience and ongoing recovery.
