Invercargill, New Zealand – A man with a history of violence in domestic relationships was sentenced to over three years in jail after a brutal assault on his partner. Daniel Ross Murch, 30, appeared in the Invercargill District Court where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including injuring with intent to injure, threatening to kill, assault, and driving offenses.
The attack took place on January 8, 2021, after Murch accused his partner of cheating on him. Intoxicated and enraged, he snatched her car keys and subjected her to a 15-minute ordeal of physical violence, including punches, choking, and threats with a hammer. The victim, terrified and unable to leave, eventually escaped through a bathroom window and sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, while Murch drove off looking for her.
The severity of the assault was emphasized by Judge Duncan Harvey, who described it as “extremely violent” and stated that it was only through luck that the victim did not suffer more serious injuries. The court also heard that Murch was the subject of a protection order in relation to another victim and had not completed a mandatory Stopping Violence program, leading to an assessment that he was at medium risk of reoffending in a similar manner.
In addition to the prison sentence, a protection order was made in favor of the victim. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the importance of addressing the root causes and providing support for victims. The severity of the assault and Murch’s history of violence highlight the need for continued efforts to prevent and intervene in such cases, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.