Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Murder of Girlfriend in Melbourne
In a tragic case that underscores the severity of domestic violence, Toby Loughnane, a 45-year-old resident of Melbourne, Australia, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Maryam Hamka.
Disturbing Claims and Evidence
Loughnane initially asserted that Hamka had succumbed to a drug overdose and contended he was merely negligent for not seeking emergency help. However, the jury from the Victorian Supreme Court dismissed this defense. They accepted compelling evidence presented by prosecutors indicating that Loughnane intentionally assaulted Hamka before leaving her lifeless body in a bathtub for several days. He ultimately disposed of her remains in a shallow grave located on a nearby peninsula while misleading authorities regarding her disappearance.
Following Hamka’s death—before her remains were discovered—police approached Loughnane’s residence searching for the missing woman. In an interview with officers, he purportedly expressed frustration that Hamka’s family wasn’t more involved in efforts to locate her.
History of Abuse Exposed
The circumstances surrounding Hamka’s demise were particularly harrowing. Justice Christopher Beale detailed how Loughnane bombarded his girlfriend with threatening messages describing brutal acts intended upon her life. These included threats to torture or burn her alive; one message ominously stated, “I’m going to literally kill you,” along with warnings implying dire consequences should law enforcement become engaged.
Furthermore, statements referenced by News.com.au reveal post-mortem examination findings indicating fractures on various parts of Hamka’s skeletal structure—including injuries to the nasal region and jaw—which correlate with prolonged domestic abuse prior to this fatal incident.
Justice Beale articulated the long-term pattern of violence inflicted upon Ms. Hamka by Loughnane: “It is crucial to acknowledge that your murder occurred within an extensive context of domestic abuse,” he emphasized during sentencing remarks.
Long-Term Consequences
Loughnane’s criminal history shows multiple offenses related to domestic violence against not just Hamka but other partners as well. Although eligible for parole after two decades served in prison—having already spent approximately four years behind bars—it remains uncertain if any time will be reduced following his cooperation with authorities leading them to discover where he concealed Hamka’s body back in early 2023.
If you or someone you know is grappling with issues related to domestic violence, please reach out for help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visiting their website at thehotline.org. Their services are available round-the-clock and provide confidential support across more than 170 languages.