A Wollongong businessman who threatened to “murder” his estranged wife after discovering she was having an affair has failed to have his charges dismissed without a conviction.
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David Paiola, one half of the father/son duo who owned and operated Ferrara Furniture at Corrimal until its closure in 2016, pleaded guilty in Wollongong Local Court on Monday to intimidating his wife on two separate occasions over the space of a week in April.
Court documents said the pair was married for 22 years but separated in February and their conversations had since become “heated, abusive and hostile”.
On April 10, the victim was at work when Paiola called her to talk about finances. The conversation deteriorated, with Paiola telling his ex “I’m gonna f—king murder you, you f—king slut whore”.
He then said “if you don’t shut you mouth I’m gonna lose it and come after you like barrels”.
The threats were overheard by one of the victim’s work colleague after the call was put on loudspeaker.
A week later, Paiola was at the family’s Horsley home to again discuss the payment of bills when he again threatened the victim, saying “I want you dead you f—king slut, don’t you make trouble for me otherwise I’m coming after you” while close to her face.
The woman reported the matter to police the following day. Paiola was arrested later that evening.
In court on Monday, Paiola said he was angry and upset after discovering his wife had been having an affair during their marriage.
“I had no intention of ever acting on the threats, it was just a heated argument,” he said.
The court heard the victim had since sought to have the charges withdrawn but officers deemed the matter serious enough to continue with the prosecution.
Paiola asked the court not to record a conviction in the matter, however Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused the request, saying such a course would be inappropriate.
“These threats can’t be taken likely...it’s serious enough for the police to be concerned,” he said.
“I understand domestic situations are very difficult and can be delicate but you can’t behave like this.”
Paiola was convicted and placed on a community release order.