A young woman from New South Wales has been discovered with critical stab wounds in a vehicle, alongside two children who were unharmed. The 26-year-old, identified as Victoria, was in the passenger seat of a white SUV that was pulled over by police on Baradine Road at Coonamble, in the state's central west, on Sunday.
According to a statement from her family, Victoria had sustained more than 20 machete stab wounds, along with three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and significant facial injuries. The family described the alleged attack as brutal and traumatic.
A four-year-old child and an 18-month-old toddler were also found in the car, but they did not suffer any physical injuries.
Police had pursued the car hours earlier but called off the chase for safety reasons around 2 a.m. They eventually stopped the vehicle at 11 a.m. and tasered the alleged driver. The 28-year-old man had been armed with a machete, according to NSW Police.
He was taken to Coonamble Multi-Purpose Health Services for assessment under police guard and then transferred to Coonamble Police Station. He has been charged with driving offences and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (domestic violence).
The 28-year-old man was refused bail at a bedside hearing in Bail Division Court 4. He is next due to appear in court on July 14.
Victoria was airlifted to hospital, where she remains in a stable condition. Her family reported that doctors have also identified suspected nerve damage affecting her feet, which may have long-term impacts on her mobility.
They said she faces unimaginable trauma and that her recovery will be long and complex. The emotional toll of what she has endured will take immense time, care, and support to heal.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Victoria's recovery.
