PERTH, Australia — Daniel William Huish, a 33-year-old man from Perth, with a pattern of family violence on record, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a severe attack on his partner in 2021. The incident, described as prolonged and brutal, only ceased when his partner feigned unconsciousness to stop the violence.
In November 2021, Huish attacked the woman at his Burswood apartment following accusations of infidelity. The attack began with an argument over the woman’s phone passcode and escalated dramatically. During the ordeal, she was choked multiple times, had her hand slammed in a door and was threatened with a knife, which led to her sustaining deep cuts when she tried to grab it.
The situation escalated when the victim attempted to seek help. She ran onto the balcony and screamed towards people at a nearby train station. However, her attempts were thwarted as Huish forcefully dragged her back inside by her hair.
The attack only halted when the victim, believing she might die, played unconscious—an act that finally made Huish stop. Prior to this, he escalated his demeaning acts by splashing toilet water on her and urinating on her face.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when bystanders from the train station called the police. Huish attempted to prevent the police from entering the apartment and even struck the responding officers. He was subsequently arrested, later pleading guilty to charges of obstructing police and assault, though he contested the attempted murder charge.
The trial revealed chilling details of the violence endured by the victim. Another former partner of Huish testified, shedding light on his violent behavior. The jury found Huish guilty of attempted murder and multiple counts of choking, substantiating the allegations with their verdict.
Justice Bruno Fiannaca, who presided over the trial, remarked on Huish’s sense of entitlement and his desire to exert control over the victim. He emphasized the seriousness of the choking incidents and described the overall attack as a deeply horrifying experience for the victim.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Fiannaca highlighted the need for a substantial term to deter similar behavior and underscored the abhorrent nature of domestic violence. Huish will need to serve at least 12 years of his 15-year sentence before being eligible for parole, with time already served included.
Additionally, the court issued a lifetime restraining order prohibiting Huish from any contact with the victim and labeled him a serial family violence offender.
In a victim impact statement, the survivor detailed the profound effect the attack had on her life, mentioning the lasting physical and emotional scars. Her statement painted a picture of a woman forever changed by the brutality of someone she once trusted, encapsulating the tragic and pervasive nature of domestic violence that continues to affect many.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers associated with domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of legal and social remedies in addressing and preventing such deeply damaging behavior.