Melbourne, Australia – Prosecutors in a Melbourne court have revealed disturbing details of the abusive relationship between Maryam Hamka and her accused killer Toby Loughnane. Hamka’s body was discovered in bushland in 2023, more than two years after her disappearance, sparking a trial that has unveiled a harrowing narrative of violence and control.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors painted a grim picture of the relationship between Hamka and Loughnane, describing it as both violent and controlling. The court heard accounts of physical abuse, death threats, and a pattern of escalating violence leading up to Hamka’s tragic death.
The prosecution alleged that Loughnane murdered Hamka at his residence in Brighton in April 2021, before enlisting the help of a friend to cover up the crime. The defense, however, maintains that Hamka died from a drug overdose at Loughnane’s home, prompting him to dispose of her body out of fear.
Witnesses testified to instances of extreme violence, including an incident where Loughnane allegedly punched Hamka in the face, leaving her bloodied and seeking help at a supermarket. The court also heard accounts of Loughnane throwing objects at Hamka and physically assaulting her in front of others.
In the months leading up to her death, Hamka sought a family violence order against Loughnane after he allegedly broke into her home and sent her threatening messages. These messages, described as graphic and threatening by prosecutors, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and control.
As the trial progresses, the court has heard chilling details of how Loughnane attempted to conceal Hamka’s body, involving a friend in the disposal and sending messages from her phone to create the appearance that she was still alive. The discovery of Hamka’s remains in bushland revealed signs of violence, underscoring the brutality of her death.
The emotional toll of the trial was evident as family members sobbed in court while prosecutors outlined the abuse suffered by Hamka. Despite the defense’s claims of an accidental overdose, the prosecution remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for Hamka, calling on witnesses to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her tragic demise.
As the trial unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for support services to protect individuals from such horrific outcomes. The quest for justice for Maryam Hamka continues as the legal proceedings move forward, seeking accountability for the profound loss and suffering inflicted upon her.