Christopher Cullen found guilty of murdering estranged wife

More than a year after Victoria Comrie Cullen's battered body was found at a Sydney fishing club, her estranged husband has been found guilty of her murder.

Christopher Cullen.

Sydney man Christopher Cullen has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife. (AAP)

Christopher Cullen has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife whom he stabbed multiple times with fishing knives because he believed she was having an affair.

The 51-year-old former carpenter made no reaction as the verdict was handed down in the Supreme Court on Tuesday after just over a day of deliberations.

Supporters of his wife cried and gasped, with one mouthing "thank you".

The verdict is a rejection of Cullen's claims he acted in self defence and was provoked when he attacked Victoria Comrie Cullen on January 22, 2014 in Sydney's south.

The 39-year-old's battered body was later found by a passer-by at Taren Point fishing club, folded over with her face to the grass.

She had a broken nose, bruised eyes and 18 sharp force injuries, including two neck wounds that had cut down to her vertebrae.

In the lead up to the killing, the court heard the pair's almost 12-year marriage began disintegrating.

Christina Accrual, who owned the Sydney salon where Comrie worked, told the trial the beauty therapist had complained of a "consistently loveless" marriage with Cullen, which allegedly involved him forcing himself on her "when he wanted it".

"He had threatened to slit her throat. He had threatened to kill her," Ms Accrual said.

Comrie's father John Waters said his daughter was "trying to find ways to leave ... but she was also frightened".

In October 2013, the pair split, with Cullen believing Comrie was having an affair with a man.

While there was no "Shannon", a Nick Baster told the jury that a month before Cullen's split he had met Comrie at Sting Bar in Cronulla.

They were together for about two months before going their separate ways.

In November 2013 - a couple of months before her death - Cullen turned up to Comrie's work with large signs in which he accused her of sleeping with clients.

She took an AVO out on him.

On the day she died, it was the crown's case Cullen had followed Comrie to her Sutherland unit in Sydney's south.

It was in her garage, crown prosecutor Siobhan Herbert said, the attack began.

Blood smears suggest Cullen bundled her into the boot of his car before buying two "guaranteed sharp" fishing knees and a black T-shirt, the crown said.

After Comrie's body was discovered and police were at the scene, Cullen emerged from the nearby mangroves, wet, with wounds to his chest, abdomen and wrists.

He told an officer Comrie had "taunted him with her sex life" and one wound was from Comrie while the others were from him.

Cullen is due to return to court for sentencing submissions on June 10.

Outside court, Ms Accrual said she was very happy with the result.

"The truth has won today," she told reporters.

Another supporter, who only wanted to be referred to as Renee, said it had been a harrowing time for Comrie's family and friends.

"Her death is devastating for us and will leave a profound impact on our community," she cried.

"Many of her loved ones are too overwhelmed to be with us today.

"The trial detailed Comrie's brave battle as a victim of domestic violence and a terror she did not escape."


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Source: AAP


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