A Northern Ireland woman has been found dead beside her car in southern Sydney. Comrie Cullen (39) had severe injuries when she was found by passers-by in the car park of an anglers’ club in the suburb of Taren Point.
A 50-year-old man, believed to be Ms Cullen’s estranged husband Christopher, was detained shortly afterwards by police who found him in a nearby swamp with what are believed to be self-inflicted knife wounds to his wrists and chest.
The couple’s three children, aged 11, seven and five, are being offered counselling and cared for by family friends.
Australian authorities have contacted the children’s grandparents in Ireland and it is understood they are making arrangements to fly to Sydney. Mr Cullen was taken to hospital, where he is under police guard while awaiting surgery. He will be interviewed when his condition improves. Supt Gregory Antonjuk told reporters that no charges have been laid as yet.
Supt Antonjuk said the case has been very distressing for police. “I have spoken with the investigators and staff, and obviously with the circumstances of yesterday afternoon they will be getting counselling,” he said.
The Cullens had been married for around 16 years before separating last October. After they split up Ms Cullen had taken out a court order called an apprehended violence order against her husband. Mr Cullen’s carpentry company had taken Ms Cullen to court over a small claims dispute.
An autopsy is to be carried out on Ms Cullen’s remains. Police officers searched the mangrove swamp around where Ms Cullen’s body was found, but no weapon was found.
