A Cairns man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a brutal and sustained campaign of domestic violence against his partner, which included torture with lit cigarettes and electrical cords. The court heard the victim endured months of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of her former partner.
Details of the Abuse
The man, whose name has been suppressed to protect the victim's identity, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, and deprivation of liberty. The abuse began in 2020 and escalated over time, with the offender subjecting the victim to horrific acts of violence.
Methods of Torture
The court was told the man used lit cigarettes to burn the victim's skin, leaving permanent scars. He also struck her with electrical cords and other objects, causing severe bruising and lacerations. The victim was also subjected to psychological torment, including threats to kill her and her family.
Victim's Ordeal
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described living in constant fear. She said the abuse left her with ongoing physical and emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also spoke of the difficulty of escaping the relationship, as the man controlled her movements and isolated her from friends and family.
Sentencing Remarks
Judge Julie Dick handed down a sentence of 12 years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of eight years. In her sentencing remarks, Judge Dick described the offending as "deplorable" and "cowardly," noting the significant impact on the victim. She said the man had shown little remorse and had a history of violence against women.
Community Response
Domestic violence support groups have welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that such abuse will not be tolerated. However, they also stressed the need for more resources to help victims escape violent relationships. The case has sparked renewed calls for tougher penalties for domestic violence offenders in Queensland.
The victim's identity remains protected under a non-publication order. She has since relocated and is receiving ongoing support from family and domestic violence services.
