David McCulloch’s life took a drastic turn when he discovered a shocking betrayal by his wife and brother that ultimately led him to an intense outburst with grave consequences.
What started as an ordinary evening escalated into a violent incident involving assault charges, drug possession, and a homemade firearm.
The Confrontation That Sparked It All
On the evening of March 28, McCulloch tried repeatedly to reach his wife, Jacinta King, without success.
The two had been together for 25 years, sharing a deep history with four grown children and matching tattoos, solidifying their bond.
That evening, however, when his mother, Sue, drove Jacinta to meet McCulloch’s brother Jamie, McCulloch’s suspicions grew as his calls continued to go unanswered.
Driven by concern, McCulloch went to a nearby car park and was stunned to find his wife and brother in an intimate encounter in the back seat of his mother’s car, with his mother sitting calmly in the front seat.
Overcome with anger, McCulloch opened the door, unleashing his frustration in a physical attack on both Jamie and Jacinta.
The Violent Outburst
As his anger intensified, McCulloch turned to his car, retrieved a shovel, and began hitting his brother while shouting threats.
His mother attempted to intervene, but McCulloch pushed her aside.
With Jamie eventually fleeing the scene, McCulloch continued his rampage, using the broken shovel handle to strike Jacinta before neighbors alerted the police.
Both Jamie and Jacinta suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. McCulloch was soon arrested and taken to the Devonport Police Station.
Discoveries at Home and Legal Consequences
When police interviewed McCulloch, he admitted to his actions, expressing that his brother “deserved it” for the betrayal.
During the investigation, he also revealed that he had a homemade firearm and ammunition at home.
A search of his residence uncovered an unsecured weapon in the laundry and about 240g of cannabis in zip-lock bags, leading to further charges.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Justice Tamara Jago addressed the unusual circumstances in McCulloch’s case, acknowledging that the betrayal he discovered was deeply upsetting but emphasizing that his violent response was unjustifiable.
Despite the serious nature of his actions, the judge recognized that McCulloch’s reaction, though severe, was impulsive rather than premeditated.
She noted that while the blows with the shovel could have been lethal, the actual harm caused was moderate.
On Friday, McCulloch was sentenced to three years in prison for his actions, with his sentence backdated to his arrest in May.
He will be eligible for parole in February, with the final 18 months of his sentence suspended, provided he avoids any further legal issues for two years.
He was also fined $1,000 as part of his sentence.
What Lies Ahead
McCulloch’s future now hinges on his adherence to the conditions of his suspended sentence and his ability to move forward from this incident.
The court hopes that the sentence will serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of violent retaliation, regardless of the provocation.