INVERCARGILL, New Zealand – A man with a history of violence in domestic relationships was sentenced to over three years in prison after a brutal attack on his partner. Daniel Ross Murch, 30, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including injuring with intent to injure, threatening to kill, assaulting a female, and driving offenses, in the Invercargill District Court.
The assault took place on January 8, 2021, following an argument at the couple’s residence. Murch, who was intoxicated at the time, accused his partner of infidelity before physically attacking her and damaging her car. The prolonged assault involved punching, kicking, and threats of using a hammer to harm the victim.
The victim, fearing for her safety, was unable to leave the address immediately. After a harrowing two hours, she managed to escape through a bathroom window and seek help from a neighbor, who then contacted the authorities. Meanwhile, Murch fled in the victim’s vehicle and was later apprehended by the police in Invercargill.
Judge Duncan Harvey highlighted the extreme violence of the assault, emphasizing that it was fortunate that the victim did not sustain serious injuries. Murch, who had a previous protection order against him from another victim, had not completed a mandatory Stopping Violence program and was deemed to be at a medium risk of reoffending.
In sentencing Murch to three years and one month in prison, Judge Harvey also issued a protection order in favor of the victim. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of taking measures to protect vulnerable individuals from such abusive behavior.