A Sydney woman who killed her husband and disposed of his dismembered remains did so as part of a “survival mechanism” developed through years of domestic abuse, her defence lawyers told the New South Wales Supreme Court.

Nirmeen Noufl, 62, was charged with manslaughter over the death of her husband, Mahmoud Noufl, during an incident at their Greenacre home between May 3 and May 4, 2023. The defence argued that the killing occurred amid an altercation in which Ms. Noufl feared for her life.

Throughout the court proceedings on Monday, Ms. Noufl remained with her head bowed as her lawyers presented their case addressing questions about whether she had shown genuine remorse following the killing. The defence counsel rejected the prosecution’s suggestion that she acted unreasonably or without remorse. Instead, they highlighted that Ms. Noufl’s response was shaped by long-standing trauma from domestic violence inflicted by her husband throughout their marriage, as well as abuse experienced in her youth.

Testimony and statements previously presented in court detailed a history of repeated violence by Mr. Noufl against Ms. Noufl. In the months leading up to the fatal incident, their relationship had reportedly deteriorated further, with Mahmoud Noufl intending to leave his wife for another woman in Egypt. Ms. Noufl had sought a divorce days prior to the killing, but her requests were declined.

Mr. Noufl’s remains have never been recovered. The defence argued that Ms. Noufl’s actions following his death were consistent with the psychological and emotional impact of prolonged abuse, framing her conduct as part of a survival mechanism rather than a calculated attempt to evade responsibility.

Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, where the court will determine the consequences for Ms. Noufl.