Gittany sentenced to 26 years for balcony death

Simon Gittany has been handed a 26-year sentence for murdering his fiancée by throwing her off the balcony of their Sydney apartment.

Gittany was sentenced to at least 18 years jail non-parole, with a maximum sentence of 26 years, for the murder of Lisa Cecilia Harnum in July 2011

He fronted the Supreme Court just after 11am.

The 40-year-old, who pleaded not guilty, was found to have thrown 30-year-old Ms Harnum from the 15th floor of their apartment because she had made plans to leave him.

The Crown prosecutor called for a sentence of at least 20 years but Gittany's defence wanted a lighter penalty, arguing he was unlikely to reoffend.

The case, and the behaviour of Gittany's current girlfriend, Rachelle Louise, has attracted extensive media attention.

Ms Louise, who has been present at previous courtroom appearances, did not show for today's sentencing.

Last week, Ms Louise turned up to the Supreme Court with signs proclaiming her 40-year-old boyfriend's innocence.

Gittany was sentenced by Justice Lucy McCallum who presided over his judge-only trial.

Source: Nine News
Author: Emily Crane, Approving editor: Simon Black