A Brisbane woman who was brutally attacked with a hatchet by her spouse has thanked the “absolutely amazing” bystanders who intervened, declaring that they are “the reason I am alive today” after the perpetrator was found guilty of trying to kill the victim.
In July 2020, Maria Buci was the target of a murder attempt by Cameron Bardak, who was on trial in Brisbane’s Supreme Court.
The 32-year-old entered a not-guilty plea to attempted murder, but it took the jury one day to reach a unanimous decision after many days of testimony.
Bardak did not respond when the guilty verdict was announced.
A supporter said “thank God” as Ms. Buci cried in the audience behind him.
Ms. Buci declared she was “very happy” after the hearing.
Today, the justice system has triumphed, she declared.
Bardak testified in court that he struck Ms. Buci twice with a hatchet before choking her, but he denied intending to kill her.
In his defense, he said that his “idea wasn’t to hurt her” and that he had just been attempting to mend their brusquely ended relationship that day, but the event spiraled “out of control.”
It “never crossed my mind” to use the hatchet to kill her, according to Bardak, who claimed he brought it with him as a “coercive measure” to force her into speaking to him.
CCTV footage of a portion of the incident showed onlookers racing to aid a screaming Ms. Buci who was being choked by Bardak on the ground.
Ms. Buci expressed her gratitude to the “absolutely amazing” individuals who saved her nearly three years prior.
“Everyone who saved me that night,” she remarked.
They are the reason I am still here today, and I am very appreciative.
Ms. Buci acknowledged that participating in the trial and providing testimony had been “very difficult,” but she had a strong support network.
She remarked, “It’s a long road to recovery, but I’ll get there.
“All I’m asking for is a just punishment for the charges,”
Bardak is anticipated to receive his punishment tomorrow afternoon.
