Arabic version: سجن رجل من داروين بعد إصابة شريكته بسيارة

According to ABC News, Christopher Morley, 63, will spend five months in jail after running over his then-partner during an argument at the Oasis Caravan Park in Virginia, just outside Darwin. The woman suffered multiple skull and facial fractures, brain bleeds and other life-threatening injuries, spending months in hospital and facing a long recovery of her ability to walk.

Morley pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and breaching a domestic violence restraining order earlier in October, after more than four months on remand. Before sentencing in the Northern Territory Supreme Court on Thursday, he also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs.

The agreed facts stated that Morley and the victim had been drinking when they became involved in a verbal argument. Justice Stephen Southwood said the woman walked in front of Morley’s Range Rover Discovery as he tried to leave and faced the vehicle head-on. As Morley accelerated, she put both hands on the centre of the vehicle, was pushed backwards, lost her balance and fell under the front passenger side. Morley then drove about 10 metres before stopping.

Justice Southwood said Morley called Triple Zero immediately but made false statements to police, including suggesting the woman had jumped in front of the car in an act of self-harm. The judge said Morley had also understated his speed and claimed the dash camera was not working when it was. His blood alcohol level was 0.045, and he tested positive for benzodiazepine, amphetamines and another substance.

Morley was sentenced to two years and three months in jail, suspended after nine months and backdated. He was also fined $194 and disqualified from driving for six months. Justice Southwood said the volatile domestic situation explained but did not excuse the offending.