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Real estate agent Karl Howard (pictured) has been charged with attempted murder over an alleged attack on two women on Monday
A real estate agent with a sparkling smile allegedly tried to forcibly kiss a woman at the end of a lengthy drinking session, before using a samurai sword to attack her friend who tried to intervene, a court has heard.
Karl Adon Howard, 44, allegedly carried out what friends are describing as an ‘out of character’ attack on his new 27-year-old love interest and her mate, 29, about 5am on Monday.
Howard – the principal at Ray White Balmain – is believed to have been drinking with the two women at his home on Ferris Street in Annandale, in Sydney’s inner-west, on Sunday evening.
The boozing continued into the early hours of the next morning, when an argument is understood to have broken out.
Police allege Howard tried to forcibly kiss the 27-year-old, before punching her in the face and then using a samurai sword on her friend as she tried to intervene.
Howard was due to appear in Newtown Local Court on Wednesday, but he remains in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with a dislocated shoulder he suffered during his arrest.
Howard was due to appear in Newtown Local Court on Wednesday, but he remains in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with a dislocated shoulder he suffered during his arrest
NSW Police returned to Howard’s home on Tuesday to seize two cars – including a BMW with a Ray White Balmain logo – which will now be forensically examined as part of the investigation
The real estate agent’s lawyer John Sutton fronted court on his behalf and did not apply for bail, with Howard remanded in custody until at least April 8.
Outside court Mr Sutton told reporters his client’s situation was ‘very unfortunate’.
‘He’s got various physical injuries of his own, he’s undergone surgery and we’re just awaiting outcomes to understand what the doctors say,’ Mr Sutton said.
‘I think he’s worried about more than just losing his job.
‘It’s a very unfortunate circumstance.’
In the aftermath of the alleged attack the two women fled to a neighbouring house.
When NSW police arrived Howard allegedly tried to flee the scene, but officers found him hiding next to a car just a street away.
During his arrest he suffered a dislocated shoulder and was taken to hospital.
Late on Tuesday night he was charged with wounding with intent to murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and trespassing.
Police have also taken out apprehended violence orders (AVOs) on behalf of both women.
Daily Mail Australia understands Howard had broken up with his long-term girlfriend – a fellow real estate agent – between 18 months and two years ago.
NSW Police detectives watched on as the two vehicles were towed away from Howard’s garage
Police tape remains wrapped around a skip bin at a building site on Ferris Street – just some 50 metres from the scene of the alleged attack – where Howard’s wallet and phone were allegedly found
He had recently met his newest love interest – a nurse and aspiring radio presenter – through an online dating app and she attended his home on Sunday with her friend.
A friend of Howard said he had owned the samurai sword for many years and it was a collector’s item, that usual remained stored away in a box.
‘He’s had the samurai sword for a long time, but it never comes out of the cupboard,’ his friend said.
‘It’s a collectors item, it’s not like he used it for protection or in case of intruders.
‘The saddest part is that his whole business and reputation is ruined. It’s very sad.’
Detectives returned to his home on Tuesday to seize two cars – including a BMW with a Ray White logo on the side – which will now be forensically examined as part of the investigation.
Blood can be seen on the footpath directly opposite Howard’s home, where his girlfriend and a friend ran for help after the alleged attack
Howard was eventually arrested on nearby Macquarie Street (pictured) and suffered an injury to his elbow during his arrest
In a statement, Ray White said they had decided to stand down Howard until the end of any criminal proceedings.
‘The Ray White Group is an Australian family owned and led business and it expects a high standard of personal conduct from all its members in representing the brand,’ a spokesperson for the real estate giant said.
Neighbours on the normally quiet street described the incident as ‘shocking’.
‘I got woken up early yesterday morning and saw the flashing lights from the police car, but didn’t realise just what had happened until I saw the news,’
‘It’s a really nice, quiet, leafy street. You don’t expect something so shocking to happen here.’
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