The family of Paul Grapsas, a 40-year-old father from Geelong fatally stabbed in 2023, has come face-to-face with his killer, Bailey Clifford, during an emotional pre-sentence hearing in the Supreme Court.
Clifford, now 20, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, avoiding a murder trial. He stabbed Mr Grapsas seven times with a fishing knife after being caught breaking into the victim’s car late at night on Western Beach Road. Clifford was 18 at the time.
According to ABC News, the victim’s wife, Jessica Grapsas — pregnant with their third child at the time of the attack — gave a moving statement in court, confronting Clifford directly.
“Your crimes, Bailey Clifford, have ripped me in half,” she said, adding: “Paul’s precious life was taken and mine was shattered, to never again be the same.”
She described the devastation of losing her husband of 23 years, the trauma of discovering his lifeless body, and the toll of raising their three children without him.
“They need their father, I need their father,” she told the court. “Where is Paul’s fair trial? I am broken, I have lost my faith and trust in justice.”
Despite her pain, Ms Grapsas told the court she would forgive Clifford: “Nothing, not justice nor revenge, can reverse the wrong that you have done and what you have taken away from me.”
Clifford also addressed the court, reading from a letter and offering a rare personal apology: “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise. I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done and what I’ve caused you all.”
His barrister, Moya O’Brien, said Clifford’s life deteriorated after a traumatic brain injury from a serious car crash, which led to drug use and a string of petty crimes. She argued that the fatal encounter was “reactive” and occurred in the dark.
Mr Grapsas was remembered as a kind-hearted family man, churchgoer and lover of fishing, footy, and video games. Videos shown in court depicted him joyfully playing with his children and his kids visiting his grave to sing him happy birthday.
Clifford now faces up to 25 years in prison. Justice Rita Incerti will deliver sentencing at a later date.
Source: ABC News
