Accused Murderer’s “Panic” Defense Challenged

Court Hears of Victim’s Desire for Platonic Friendship

A man is on trial for murder, accused of killing his alleged girlfriend, Dayna Isaac, who had reportedly rejected a serious relationship. Prosecutors are presenting evidence of a pattern of violence.

Disturbing Discovery

On January 16th, around 2 PM, **Tsiliris** received a call from the accused, **Sultana**. He repeatedly stated, “It’s bad.” Puzzled, **Tsiliris** asked for clarification.

When **Tsiliris** met her son, **Sultana** arrived in **Isaac’s** car, continuing to say, “It’s bad.” **Tsiliris** explained to police, “I had no idea what he meant, but I could tell it was out of the ordinary in terms of his behaviour and how he was talking.”

Tsiliris entered Isaac’s apartment and saw blood in the entryway and a mark on the wall. She then saw Isaac in the bedroom, lying on her back with blood on her face. Overwhelmed by shock and trauma, Tsiliris fled the unit and went directly to the police station.

Family Accounts of Relationship Dynamics

Isaac’s parents, Garry and Deborah English, also provided statements. Both recalled Isaac telling them she and Sultana were just friends and that she did not want a serious relationship.

Deborah stated she saw Isaac and Sultana at Isaac’s unit the day before the alleged murder. “During the day Dayna told me that she did not want a relationship and that Paul was moving his stuff into her unit and she did not want that as it felt like she was in a relationship,” her statement read.

Garry recounted a Christmas Day argument in 2022 where Sultana expressed strong feelings for Isaac. Garry advised him, “Paul, she likes you as a friend, you have to accept that.” He further stated, “He got in my face and told me that I have to tell Dayna that he was good for her.”

Prosecution’s Case and Defense’s Argument

During opening statements, Crown prosecutor Yvette Prowse indicated that testimonies from three women, including two former partners, would demonstrate a pattern of physical and verbal abuse linked to feelings of rejection or relationship breakdown.

Sultana’s barrister, Gregory Woods KC, asserted his client’s innocence, calling the prosecution’s case circumstantial with no direct witnesses to the murder. He suggested Sultana’s actions, such as burning the car and belongings, stemmed from “panic” rather than guilt, aligning with his client’s belief he might be blamed due to prior accusations from ex-girlfriends.

Cause of Death and Further Evidence

The court heard that Isaac died from strangulation, with blunt-force injuries to her face and body. Two cords were found around her neck. Tuesday’s proceedings included CCTV footage of Sultana’s movements, expert testimony from a forensic pathologist, and a crime scene investigator.

The trial continues, with many graphic details of Isaac’s injuries undisclosed for publication.