A Canberra man has been sentenced to prison for a brutal attack on his seriously ill fiancée that occurred while she was desperately seeking help from emergency services.
The disturbing incident unfolded in the ACT when the woman, who suffers from a significant medical condition, was on the phone with Triple Zero operators. As she described her need for medical assistance, her partner launched a violent assault that left her fighting for breath instead of medical care.
Court documents reveal the terrifying sequence of events that saw the man place both hands around his partner's neck and apply pressure while she remained connected to the emergency call. The attack represented a profound betrayal of trust against a vulnerable woman who relied on her partner for support during health struggles.
ACT Supreme Court Justice David Mossop handed down a sentence that reflected the gravity of the offence, noting the particular vulnerability of the victim and the breach of trust involved. The court heard how the attack had left lasting physical and psychological scars on the woman, who now faces recovery from both her medical condition and the trauma of the assault.
This case highlights several alarming aspects of domestic violence:
- The attack occurred during an emergency call for medical help
- The victim was targeted while already vulnerable due to illness
- The perpetrator exploited a position of trust as a caregiver
- Violence escalated during a moment when the victim sought protection
Domestic violence services in the ACT have emphasised that this case demonstrates how abusers often choose moments of maximum vulnerability to exercise control and violence. The fact that the attack happened during an ambulance call adds another layer of cruelty to an already violent act.
"This sentencing sends a clear message that the courts take domestic violence seriously, particularly when victims are at their most vulnerable," said a spokesperson for local support services.
The case has prompted renewed calls for better protection mechanisms for domestic violence victims, especially those with additional vulnerabilities like serious illness or disability.
