An Auckland woman whose throat was repeatedly slashed by her ex-husband at a local McDonald's has faced her attacker in court, expressing her disbelief that the father of her children could nearly end her life. The survivor described how the person she once trusted most inflicted unbearable pain and suffering, stripping away her sense of security and safety. She expressed her fears for her and her sons' safety when he is eventually released from prison, Stuff has reported.
Mitesh Kumar, 45, appeared for sentencing at the High Court in Auckland on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the attempted murder of his ex-wife. He also admitted to obstructing police by failing to allow them to search his phone. Following the attack in January, Kumar told police, “If she dies, and I go to jail, everything goes to the kids. That is the motive,” Stuff reported. The couple was in the midst of divorce proceedings, and Kumar believed his ex-wife was asking for too much in their monetary settlement.
Justice Neil Campbell sentenced Kumar to eight and a half years in prison. In a pre-sentence report, Kumar claimed he got “carried away” during the attack and blamed his ex-wife for his “loss of control.” Justice Campbell firmly responded, “That is a shocking statement Mr. Kumar. She, not you, is the victim in this matter.”
Emotional victim impact statements were heard in court from the survivor, her twin brother, and her parents. The survivor's father expressed his horror, stating, “My daughter was not a piece of meat to be cut numerous times. Her marriage didn’t work, and all she wanted was to move on with her life and have her kids in it.” The survivor’s parents were in Fiji when they received the devastating news of the attack, and the sight of their daughter in the hospital, covered in stitches, continues to haunt them.
“She was simply trying to move on and find peace; instead, she was met with violence,” her mother lamented.
Addressing her ex-husband directly, the survivor recounted the dramatic changes in her life and the “deeply humiliating” experience of not being able to care for herself. She is scheduled for another surgery soon, and it won’t be her last. She noted that she felt fortunate the attack occurred in a public space, as Kumar had initially wanted to meet at her home. “Should this have occurred, I know I would not be standing here today,” she said.
The survivor also detailed the ongoing trauma experienced by their two children, who have lost interest in school and the sports they once loved. “You and you alone are responsible for the damage to your own children,” she asserted, adding that she believes Kumar will seek to harm her again upon his release, focusing on revenge. She expressed sleepless nights worrying about her and her children's safety.
The attack occurred on January 11 while the couple was navigating divorce proceedings after 18 years of marriage. They had arranged to meet at the McDonald's on Stoddard Road in Wesley, with promises of the children being present. Kumar, armed with a utility knife hidden in his trousers, entered the fast-food restaurant, ordered a drink, and waited for his ex-wife.
When she called to inquire about their children, Kumar convinced her they were nearby and could meet inside. He then displayed a nude photograph of her on his phone, threatening to share it with others if she did not agree to a lower settlement offer. When she attempted to leave, he lunged at her with the knife, slashing her throat three times.
Witnesses, including McDonald's staff and members of the public, begged Kumar to stop, but he continued the assault while his ex-wife struggled to protect herself. He shouted, “I want her to die, you can call the police,” as he slashed at her neck and upper body. The attack lasted for seven minutes and 44 seconds, ending only when police arrived.
The survivor was rushed to the hospital with multiple serious wounds, including defensive wounds on her hands and arms from trying to protect herself. After his arrest, Kumar refused to provide police with the pins and passwords to his phone.
Crown prosecutor Robin McCoubrey stated that an acrimonious divorce provides no justification for such a violent attack. Kumar’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, acknowledged the fragility of human life tested by the assault but maintained that Kumar was not inherently a bad man and could be safely released with appropriate rehabilitation.
A court report revealed Kumar suffered from adjustment disorder and other health issues, but Justice Campbell stated there was no indication these contributed to the offending. Kumar expressed remorse for his actions, according to his lawyer.