A Townsville man has been sentenced to prison after violently attacking his partner in a disturbing case of domestic violence that left the victim fearing for her life.
Violent Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Frederick Mallie Nawarie, 24, faced the Townsville District Court where details emerged of a terrifying assault that occurred in February 2024. The court heard how Nawarie strangled his partner during a heated argument, applying pressure to her neck until she genuinely believed she might die.
Following the violent attack, the victim managed to escape the situation and immediately sought medical attention. Doctors documented clear evidence of the assault, including visible injuries to her neck that corroborated her account of the strangulation.
Police were notified and quickly launched an investigation, leading to Nawarie's arrest and subsequent charging with serious domestic violence offences.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing before Judge Gregory Lynham, the court learned that Nawarie had pleaded guilty to strangulation in a domestic relationship. This charge carries significant weight under Queensland law, reflecting the potentially lethal nature of such attacks.
Judge Lynham did not mince words when addressing the gravity of the offence. He emphasized that strangulation represents one of the most dangerous forms of domestic violence, often serving as a precursor to even more severe outcomes, including homicide.
In determining the sentence, the judge considered both the seriousness of the crime and Nawarie's early guilty plea, which spared the victim from having to testify in court.
Final Judgment and Consequences
The court delivered its judgment on Tuesday, sentencing Nawarie to 18 months in prison. However, with time already served in pre-sentence custody, the 24-year-old could become eligible for parole as early as August 2024.
Judge Lynham made it clear that such violence against intimate partners would not be tolerated by the community or the justice system. He noted that the sentence should serve as both punishment and deterrent, sending a strong message about the consequences of domestic violence.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Queensland authorities to address domestic violence, particularly strangulation offences which have received increased attention in recent years due to their association with escalating patterns of abuse.
