A double murderer who allegedly rehearsed one of his killings on camera while wearing a black latex suit has been handed a lengthy prison sentence.
Luke David Fawcett, 29, stood trial in the West Australian Supreme Court charged with murdering his neighbour Maree Collins, 66, and her brother Wayne Johnson, 62, at Ms Collins’ Leonard St unit in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park over Easter in 2020.
The psychologist had claimed he had nothing to do with Ms Collins’ death, testifying that he found her body wrapped in blue tarpaulin at her home.
She had suffered 12 lacerations, including a cut to her throat.
Fawcett also claimed he acted in self-defence against Mr Johnson xjmtzywat the apartment after he mistakenly thought Fawcett had killed his sister.
Mr Johnson suffered 25 stab wounds, including to his head, chest and abdomen.
The court was told during the trial that Fawcett allegedly filmed himself “rehearsing” while wearing a black latex suit, and armed himself with a taser and knife, weeks before the murders.
Fawcett said in the video: “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. If it’s the hard way you will be severely hurt and if you keep pushing me, eventually I will kill you.”
The jury only took about half an hour to find him guilty of both murders.
Justice Jennifer Smith on Friday said she could not find beyond reasonable doubt that the video formed part of his plan to kill.
But she said it showed he was at least contemplating to seriously hurt someone.
Fawcett was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 34 years to be served before he can be eligible for parole.
It is one of the longest minimum terms ever imposed in WA.
