Greg Vincent.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, a barrister acting for Wave FM radio announcer Greg Vincent told a jury yesterday, claiming his client believed his ex-mistress was on a mission to ruin his career.
Vincent, 49, is accused of breaking into his former lover's Warilla home on December 29 last year, grabbing her by the throat and threatening to kill her if she called the police.
Defence counsel Russell Sweet told Wollongong District Court the woman's evidence was contaminated by lies, asking the jury to consider her allegations amid the famous quote: "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."
Denying any involvement in the incident, Vincent refuted claims he was in "despair" over ongoing harassment against him and needed to take "drastic action" to stop his reputation being trashed.
Vincent told the jury he believed his former girlfriend was responsible for graffiti outside the Warrawong station, damage to his car and contact with Wave FM clients, conceding she had become a "nuisance".
He admitted he had done everything possible to avoid her after ending their four-year tryst but denied a suggestion he had "snapped" and broken into her home.
Closing the Crown case yesterday afternoon, prosecutor Michael Fox told the jury Vincent's ex-mistress had recognised the accused's voice and had been unwavering in her identification.
Mr Fox argued Vincent was keen to protect his hard-fought reputation and had committed the offence as he believed his former lover was jeopardising his family and radio career.
Mr Sweet told the court the issue was whether Vincent was in the woman's bedroom, claiming there were other potential scenarios to consider.
He told the jury his client had impeccable character, suggesting he should be renamed "Saint Greg Vincent" for all his charity work.
Vincent's one-time WAVE FM co-announcer David Gorr echoed assertions about Vincent's good character.
Vincent, who is now on leave from the station, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated breaking and entering to commit a serious indictable offence of intimidation.
The jury will start deliberating this morning.