Whangārei, New Zealand – A man, Michael Bracey, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend’s new partner at a campsite in Northland. The judge condemned Bracey for his actions, emphasizing that women are not possessions and that he had no right to control or harm them.
Bracey was found guilty of wounding with intent to injure and possession of an offensive weapon for the November 2021 attack. Despite his claims of going to the campsite to retrieve property, the jury and sentencing judge rejected his excuses.
The court heard that Bracey’s relationship with Maia Pehi-Hannah ended in August, but he struggled to accept it. After Pehi-Hannah began a relationship with Ricky Addison, Bracey sent threatening messages before violently attacking Addison at the campsite. The incident left Pehi-Hannah psychologically scarred and Addison with severe injuries.
In the sentencing, Judge Gene Tomlinson noted the alarming rate of domestic violence-related homicides in New Zealand. He dismissed Bracey’s self-defense claims, highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack. Pehi-Hannah described the lasting emotional and psychological trauma caused by Bracey’s actions.
Overall, the case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. By highlighting the repercussions on the victims and condemning the offender’s behavior, the court sends a strong message against such acts of violence in society. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the need to address and prevent domestic abuse in all its forms.