A woman who was stabbed to death during a carjacking at a Canberra shopping centre last year has given a harrowing account of her post-traumatic stress disorder in the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court ahead of her attacker’s sentencing.
Trong Nguyen, 27, has pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, furious and reckless driving and driving without a license.
Today the woman suffered several nervous breakdowns as she told the court she had gone shopping at Westfield Belconnen on a Sunday and was on her way back to her car when the man attacked her and demanded the keys.
She said it was a terrible moment.
“I don’t think anyone can even begin to know the feeling of fear until they are confronted with the thought that their life is about to end,” the woman said.
“That’s what I felt the moment I saw the knife.”
While Nguyen fled, the woman made her way into the mall before an ambulance was called.
Police arrested Nguyen later that day after the car was spotted in Braddon and a short foot chase through Ainslie ensued.
The victim stated that the stab wound to his arm had caused permanent physical and psychological damage.
“I have never screamed like that, not even on a roller coaster,” she said.
“Since then, I have lived in intense daily fear.”
“I feel like I’m in a fog”
The court heard that Nguyen had suffered from drug problems and that his family were keen to help him recover in the community.
However, his suitability for such a program must first be assessed.
This cannot happen before November.
Meanwhile, the victim told the court that she could still hear him screaming, “Give me your keys.”
The victim told the court that her debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder has left her unable to work, disrupting her retirement plans and making her afraid to go out alone.
“My life has changed forever,” she said.
“I feel like I’m in a fog and I can’t find my way through it.”
The woman spoke to Nguyen directly.
“Taking drugs is a choice,” she told him.
“Stabbling someone is a decision.
“Stealing a car is a decision.
“Living with PTSD is not a choice; it’s a nightmare.”
She asked him: “What is all this for?”
“Is one dose of heroin really worth ruining another person’s life?” she asked.
Nguyen will probably not sentenced this year.
