The former Australian entrepreneur was convicted at Sydney’s Darlinghurst Court of throwing the Canadian former ballerina off the balcony of their luxury apartment in a fit of rage when she threatened to leave him.
The 40-year-old will serve at least 18 years for the violent theft of a young life in a fit of jealous rage. He’ll be eligible for parole in 2033.
At the sentencing, Justice Lucy McCallum said there was little prospect of rehabilitation for Gittany who had continued to proclaim his innocence.
She said Lisa Harnum must have been in a state of “complete terror” when he dragged her back into their apartment, before throwing her 15 floors to her death, and described Gittany as “controlling, dominant and at times, abusive”.
McCallum added that the murder wasn’t premeditated, but said he should have anticipated he might fly into a rage if Lisa left him.
“He allowed possessiveness and insecurity to overwhelm the most basic respect for her right to live her life as she chose,” the Judge said.
She said Gittany had no remorse, and poor prospects of rehabilitation, but that jailing him for life would be excessive.
His family (pictured) and supporters maintained his innocence and questioned evidence heard in his trial.
His solicitor said there will be an appeal.
“He does intend to appeal,” Gittany’s solicitor Abigail Bannister told reporters.
Gittany’s new girlfriend, Rachelle Louise, was absent from the hearing.
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