Sydney banker charged with attempted murder in France

David Cao, a 37-year-old banker from Sydney, has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged attack on his partner at the Château de Perreux boutique hotel in central France. The incident occurred on July 28 in the Nazelles-Négron area while the couple was on a European holiday.

Authorities allege that Cao struck his partner on the head with a hot saucepan and poured boiling water over them. Hotel staff discovered the partner critically injured after hearing screams from their room. Following the attack, Cao reportedly fled in a rental car toward Rouen before traveling by train through Paris to Lille, where he was detained near the Belgian border.

Cao, who was previously employed by ING, faces additional charges including kidnapping, theft, torture, and acts of barbarity. While reports suggest Cao admitted to the attack, he allegedly denied intending to kill his partner. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment, with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade providing consular assistance.