A Canberra man, Vu, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his ex-wife in their Bruce home. Despite acknowledging his guilt and expressing remorse in a letter to the court, Justice Baker noted that inconsistencies in Vu's account of the incident raised concerns about his sincerity. Furthermore, Justice Baker emphasized that even while considering Vu's declining health—with a life expectancy of only four to six years due to serious medical conditions—she could not impose a sentence that would allow him to serve his time and be released within that period.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Vu and his ex-wife had a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent arguments. Although Vu presented evidence of a mild neurocognitive disorder and major depression, the court classified the attack as spontaneous, which played a crucial role in determining the severity of his sentence. In delivering her judgment, Justice Baker highlighted the need to hold Vu accountable for his actions while balancing the factors surrounding his mental health and expressed feelings of remorse.

The case underscores the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the judicial system's approach to sentencing, particularly when mental health issues are involved. It also raises critical questions about the implications of violent behavior within intimate relationships and the responsibilities of individuals in managing such actions. Overall, this case highlights the judiciary's commitment to both justice for victims and fair considerations for those with mental health challenges.