Toby Loughnane was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the brutal murder of his partner, Maryam Hamka, following a prolonged history of domestic violence.
In the months leading up to her death in April 2021, Loughnane sent her chilling messages threatening to torture and kill her.
On the morning of April 11, 2021, screams were heard from his Brighton apartment, after which he cleaned the scene and transported Ms. Hamka’s body 80km away to Cape Schanck.
For over two years, he concealed the location of her remains, only revealing it in May 2023.
During the trial, the court heard about his history of violent abuse, including previous assaults and threats against Ms. Hamka, who had confided in witnesses about fearing for her life.
Justice Christopher Beale condemned Loughnane’s actions as part of a pattern of long-term domestic abuse, rejecting his claims that Ms. Hamka died from an overdose.
Witnesses testified to previous violent episodes, including him attacking her in public and breaking into her family’s home with a knife.
The judge described his attempts to shift blame onto the victim’s family as “callous” and dismissed any signs of genuine remorse.
With time served, Loughnane will not be eligible for release until 2041.
