A shocking inheritance dispute turned violent when a Sydney man allegedly used pruning shears to sever his brother's ear during a heated argument about their late father's estate.
The 55-year-old accused appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, facing charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the gruesome incident in June 2023.
The Brutal Attack
Court documents reveal the brothers had been locked in a bitter feud over their father's inheritance when the confrontation turned physical. Prosecutors allege the older brother attacked his sibling with the garden tool, leaving him with permanent disfigurement.
Emergency services rushed to the upscale Vaucluse home where the alleged assault occurred, finding the victim with his ear partially severed. Surgeons attempted to reattach the ear but were unsuccessful.
Legal Proceedings
The accused has been granted conditional bail but must surrender his passport and report daily to police. Magistrate Margaret Quinn described the allegations as "extremely serious" during the brief hearing.
Defence lawyer Greg James QC argued his client had acted in self-defence, claiming the younger brother had been the aggressor. However, prosecutors maintain the attack was premeditated and directly related to the inheritance dispute.
Community Shock
Neighbours expressed disbelief at the violent outburst between the brothers, who were reportedly close before their father's death. One local resident described the family as "quiet and respectable", making the allegations even more shocking.
The case has been adjourned until October for further evidence gathering. If convicted, the accused faces up to 25 years imprisonment under New South Wales law.
