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“Grotesque Act Of Family Violence.” Perth Man Sentenced For Murdering Two Children

He will spend at least 31 years behind bars

In October last year, Perth police walked into a heartbreaking scene at a home in the outer coastal subirb Yanchep.

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Police found the bodies of 5-year-old Zaraiyah-Lily Headland and 3-year-old Andreas Headland. Their father, Jason Craig Headland, was also found in the house with self-inflicted stab wounds.

Now, Mr Headland has been setnenced to life and will spend at least 31 years behind bars for murdering his two little children, the ABC reports.

In the Western Australia Supreme Court, a judge declared Mr Headland would serve time for the “grotesque act of family violence”.

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While the children’s cause of deaths could not be determined, the court heard they had been drugged with the crushed-up antihistamine Restavit (which can be used as a sleeping tablet). They had also been asphyxiated.

Mr Headland called his wife, Anatoria Headland, on the night of the murders and said: “I’m going to hurt you … I’m going to break your heart into 50 million pieces … say goodbye to your kids. This is the last time you will speak to them.”

As news.com.au reports, the court heard that Mr Headland and his wife’s marriage had broken down and she had sought a break from the relationship.

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Justice Lindy Jenkins said Mr Headland had used his children as “weapons”.

“You had a duty to love and protect them. Instead of protecting them, you used them as weapons,” she said.

“You made your children pay with their lives in order to inflict pain and loss on your wife.”

Mr Headland plead guilty to murdering his two children.

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If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline for 24/7 support on 13 11 14 or visit the website at lifeline.org.au. If it’s an emergency, call 000.

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