The father of a young woman who was fatally stabbed during the Westfield Bondi incident disclosed that she had purchased him a jacket for his impending marriage just days before the tragedy.
Dawn Singleton, who was 25 years old, was among the six people who lost their lives during a knife attack at Westfield Bondi Junction last April. The attacker, identified as Joel Cauchi, aged 40, carried out the violent incident.
Almost a year later her father, advertising executive John Singleton, has opened up about the loss, describing Dawn as a 'beautiful little girl'.
"No one could say anything negative about Dawnie since she, in numerous aspects, was just too gentle for this reality," Mr Singleton stated. 60 Minutes .
And to witness such a kind and fragile person have their life end in this manner, it likely amplifies the pain tenfold.
Mr Singleton mentioned that he was 'holding up okay' following the tragedy, however, he can no longer attend movie screenings because 'once the lights dim, I tear up.'
'In the past, I would escape through drinking. Nowadays, I refrain from alcohol altogether.'
He mentioned that during the two weeks leading up to Dawn's passing, he assisted her in selecting a wedding gown, and she also asked him to order a jacket from an Australian fashion designer. Camilla Franks .
He was meant to sport the jacket as he escorted Dawn down the aisle, yet she was tragically killed before the wedding could happen.
I doubt it will ever get worn. I reckon it'll end up hanging beside the wedding dress.
Dawn was betrothed to her childhood sweethearth and policeman Ashley Wildey.
Mr Wildey was on call when Cauchi started his assault and hurried to the location but was then told about the demise of his fiancée.
The damaged officer continues to visit Dawn's gravesite daily.
By the end of this month, a four-week coroner’s inquest regarding the assault is scheduled to start, however, Mr Singleton once more requested that it be cancelled.
He mentioned that the investigation would merely bring back the trauma for the families who are still mourning their loved ones.
It’s completely ridiculous. In my opinion, it’s merely a waste of time, even if it aims to demonstrate something.
Mr Singleton had concerns that CCTV or police body camera recordings of the assault could be made public during the inquest.
Why must you actually depict the murders? Do you want to show the knife stabbing? Do you want to portray the bleeding?
New South Wales Attorney-General Michael Daley has verified that an inquiry is required as these fatalities happened during a police action. Mr Daley emphasized that the investigation will be carried out using methods that are considerate of trauma.
The Coroner has informed Mr Singleton that currently, there are no intentions to screen upsetting video evidence in court.
However, Mr Singleton stated that he desired for the authorities to eliminate all recordings of the incident.
Cauchi relocated to Sydney from Queensland just prior to the spree.
He received a diagnosis of schizophrenia when he was 17, and it seems his mental well-being has declined further in the past few years.
Cauchi had earlier drawn the attention of law enforcement in both NSW and his home state.
On April 13, he randomly stabbed a total of 16 individuals using a hunting knife.
Read more