Man jailed for up to 24 years after stabbing ex-girlfriend to death in front of her child

A man who broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home and stabbed her to death in front of her young child has been sentenced to 24 years in jail but will be eligible for parole in 19.

James William Pualic, 45, was sentenced in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday after pleading guilty to the murder of Analyn “Logee” Osias, a mother of four.

Pualic killed Osias after breaking into her Bendigo home, in Victoria’s north, on October 29, 2023, in breach of a family violence intervention order that was supposed to protect her.

He smashed a bedroom window and forced his way inside the property by ripping open a security door.

The 45-year-old dragged Osias from her bed, bashed her head against the floor and strangled her before stabbing her to death.

Osias’ two primary school-aged children were at home at the time. One of the girls witnessed the attack.

Justice Rita Incerti described the killing as brutal and unprovoked as she handed down the sentence.

“Your offending was cruel, vicious and entirely merciless,” the judge said.

“Ms Osias was entitled to end her relationship without fear of harm.”

Pualic, who looked down as he was sentenced, will be eligible for parole after serving 19 years.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

AAP