Cairns man sentenced to seven years for fatal stabbing of housemate

Steven Edward Anderson, 69, has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to manslaughter over the death of Darren "Lenny" Smith at a White Rock share house in May 2023. The Cairns Supreme Court heard the fatal confrontation occurred in the early hours of 10 May, when Anderson wrestled a knife from Mr Smith, 57, and stabbed him three times during an altercation.

Source: ABC News

Circumstances of the fatal fight

The incident unfolded at a share house in the Cairns suburb of White Rock, where both men rented bedrooms. According to court evidence, Mr Smith had been drinking and playing loud music throughout the evening before the violence erupted. Anderson, who was on parole for drug offences at the time, was a long-term friend of the home owner, Angela Tanner, and had moved into the residence approximately three months prior to the fatal encounter.

The fight between the two men escalated when Anderson seized control of a knife during the struggle, resulting in Mr Smith suffering three stab wounds. Mr Smith had been residing at the address for roughly two years before his death.

Impact on family and community

The court heard victim impact statements from Mr Smith's loved ones, who described the profound void his death has created in their lives. His two teenage sons were particularly affected by the loss of their father, with family members conveying to the court the lasting emotional consequences of his death.

The sentencing reflects the gravity of the fatal stabbing, balancing Anderson's guilty plea against the circumstances of the violent confrontation and its devastating impact on the Smith family.

Parole status and criminal history

Anderson's status as a parolee at the time of the offence was significant to the court's considerations. His previous convictions for drug offences had resulted in his release on parole conditions, which he was subject to when the fatal stabbing occurred. This context formed part of the sentencing remarks delivered by the Cairns Supreme Court.

Guilty plea to manslaughter

Rather than contesting the charge, Anderson entered a guilty plea to manslaughter at the Supreme Court hearing. The plea acknowledges responsibility for causing Mr Smith's death, though falls short of a murder conviction. The acceptance of guilt may have influenced the sentencing decision, as guilty pleas typically result in more lenient sentences than convictions following trial.

The case highlights continuing concerns about violence in shared housing arrangements and the dangers associated with confrontations involving weapons. Queensland Police investigations into the incident concluded with sufficient evidence for the manslaughter prosecution.

With remand time already served, Anderson will become eligible for parole consideration before the completion of his full seven-year sentence, subject to Queensland's parole assessment procedures.