TOWNSVILLE, Australia – A disturbing CCTV footage captured a man strangling a woman outside a hospital after she refused to go home with him. The perpetrator was identified as Ikey Benjamin Donnelly, who made a court appearance via video link from Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in Townsville District Court.
According to Crown prosecutor Ms Singh, the incident occurred on March 26 last year when Donnelly, aged 33, and the woman were drinking with a group in Mornington Island. Donnelly’s proposition for the woman to go home with him was declined, leading to a violent altercation. Despite their separation a month earlier, Donnelly physically assaulted the woman, causing a fracture to her eye socket.
As the woman attempted to seek help at the hospital, Donnelly followed and prevented her from reaching safety. The confrontation escalated as he strangled her for a horrifying 30 to 40 seconds. Witnessed by CCTV cameras, the disturbing assault unfolded outside the hospital entrance.
Upon entering the hospital, Donnelly coerced the woman into fabricating a false story to the staff about her injuries. However, she eventually disclosed the truth to a nurse about being strangled by Donnelly, leading to his apprehension by the authorities.
During the court proceedings, Donnelly’s defense attorney, Michael Hibble, attributed his client’s actions to a challenging upbringing in a dry community where residents brewed potent alcohol. Despite this explanation, Judge John Coker emphasized the severity of Donnelly’s offenses, particularly the act of strangulation.
Donnelly, having pleaded guilty to multiple charges including assault and driving offenses, was sentenced to three years in jail. With credit for pre-sentence custody, he was granted parole at the time of sentencing. The judge underscored the importance of Donnelly addressing his issues with alcohol to avoid further legal trouble.