James Payet jailed over ex-wife*s murder in Como hair salon (ABC)

View Comments ABC James Bill Payet has been sentenced to life in prison.

A Perth man who murdered his estranged wife and stabbed her pregnant daughter at their hair salon in Como has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

James Bill Payet, 48, attacked Angela Ferullo, 43, at a Como salon in June last year.

The court heard that Payet initially attacked Ferullo's daughter, Selina Bello, who was 22 weeks pregnant.

Ms Ferullo threw herself onto her daughter to protect her, and Payet dragged her off and repeatedly stabbed her.

During the attack, a 67-year-old customer threw a chair at Payet to try and stop him.

Judge Lindy Jenkins told Payet he was a danger to those close to him.

"You have a propensity for violence in situations of conflict," she said.

"You are a danger to those who cross you, especially those in close relationships with you.

"I take into account your anger, rage and desire to control the deceased's actions."

Payet fled the scene, prompting a massive manhunt but was arrested later in the day, and taken to hospital with self-inflicted wounds.

Judge Jenkins said that did not mean he was remorseful.

"You attempted to kill yourself primarily because you thought your life was not worth living, not because you were remorseful," she said.

However, the judge accepted that Payet was now sorry.

Payet pleaded guilty to murdering Ferullo and causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Bello.

The court heard that he made repeated threats to Ferullo and her family in the months before the attack.

Prosecutors told the court Payet and Furello had separated in 2011 after a 12-year relationship, but that he continued to live with her at her home.

In the months before the murder, the couple's relationship deteriorated, and on one occasion he held a knife at Furello's throat and said he would slit it if she went to the police or sought a restraining order.

Payet will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years.

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