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Police arrest partner of woman beaten to death ‘with cricket bat’

ABC

ABC

A NSW father wanted over the bludgeoning murder of his former partner and an attack that left his son in hospital has been arrested.

More than 24 hours after the body of Tina Kontozis, 51, was found in her home at Bundeena, south of Sydney, police arrested her partner Stephen Boyd.

Mr Boyd, also 51, was last seen leaving the Beachcomber Avenue home on Sunday afternoon, after neighbours reported hearing screams coming from the upstairs apartment.

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Police spotted his vehicle on the Kings Highway at Braidwood just after 4.30pm and he was arrested after a pursuit just before 5pm.

Mr Boyd was treated by paramedics for minor facial injuries and taken to Queanbeyan Police Station for questioning.

Ms Kontozis and her son had reportedly been granted apprehended violence orders against their estranged partner and father.

NSW Police

Stephen Boyd is being sought by police after the death of his partner in Bundeena south of Sydney. Photo: NSW Police

She is believed to have been bashed to death with a cricket bat but police haven’t confirmed this and won’t say whether or not a bat or similar items have been seized from the property.

Detective Sergeant Terry O’Neill said Mr Boyd was known to police.

“Mr Boyd is the person we would like to speak to about this incident,” Det Sgt O’Neill told reporters on Monday.

The couple’s 17-year-old son, believed to be an only child, was at home during part of the attack and one of his arms had injuries consistent with defence wounds, police said.

After his mother was killed he sought refuge at the home of a neighbour, who called police.

“The teenager, their son, his condition is satisfactory at this time,” Det Sgt O’Neill said.

“He is in hospital. Obviously he is very upset.”

The teenager changed his Facebook profile on Monday to a Stop Violence Against Women logo, with the caption “For Mum”.

Family members have offered tributes to Ms Kontozis, including her nephew Andrew Kontozis.

“You’ve caused my family and I so much grief today, you’ve literally ended the life of a harmless soul,” he wrote.

Patricia Attard-Daniels said the death of her dear friend was “a sad sad day for the sisterhood”.

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