A Sydney man who has been charged with the domestic violence murder of his wife with a makeshift spear will remain in custody over Christmas.
Terrance Howot, also known as Talaat Hawatt, appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Thursday, hours after he had been charged with the murder of his wife Khouloud Bakkour.
It has been alleged he killed Ms Bakkour – who he married in Lebanon in 2015 – with a makeshift spear made of a knife attached to a piece of wood.
Mr Howot appeared on screen via videolink from Amber Laurel Correctional Centre as he appeared in court for the first time on Thursday afternoon.
Terrance Howot, also known as Talaat Hawatt. Picture: Supplied
Kholoud Bakkour. Picture: Facebook
Police discovered the body of Ms Bakkour, also known as Khouloud Hawatt, at Belmore just before 8am on Wednesday.
Mr Howot, 35, was arrested about 30km away at Denham Court a short time later.
Police on Wednesday described her alleged murder as “very violent”.
Police forced their way into the Knox St apartment to discover the body of the mother of five after a triple-0 call from a family member.
Police remained at the unit block on Thursday. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer.
Forensics continue to comb over the apartment following the discovery of Ms Bakkour’s body. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer.
Mr Howot was taken to Campbeltown Police Station before he was charged overnight.
He was charged with murder (domestic violence), contravening an ADVO, using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.
His solicitor Mostafa Daoudie did not apply for bail in court on Thursday.
Mr Howot will appear in court again in February.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
-
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
-
24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
-
Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
-
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
-
SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
-
Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
-
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
-
Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
-
Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don’t go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14