She Was Trying to Leave Him — Then He Got Behind the Wheel and Killed Her in a ‘Cold-Blooded’ Act

Australian Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Killing Ex-Partner in Tragic Incident

An Australian man, James Kenneth Austin, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter in connection with the death of his ex-partner, Jacqui Purton, in March 2023. The heartbreaking incident occurred when Austin ran over Purton with his car in his parents’ driveway, leading to devastating consequences for her family and loved ones.

The sentencing of James Kenneth Austin took place on Thursday, July 3, as reported by various news outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 9News, and The Mercury. The court heard emotional victim impact statements from Purton’s family members, shedding light on the profound impact of her untimely death. Among those who spoke were Purton’s mother and adult daughter, expressing their grief and loss following the tragic incident.

According to a forensic pathologist’s testimony, Jacqui Lee Purton, a mother of four, tragically succumbed to her injuries caused by Austin running her over with his car at around 15 miles per hour. The court learned that Purton had been trying to leave the residence she shared with Austin’s parents in rural Tasmania following an argument between the former couple. Despite her attempts to call for help, including reaching out to local authorities, Purton struggled to get a signal on her phone, ultimately leading to the fatal confrontation.

Reports revealed that Austin callously drove his car down the driveway, striking Purton and dragging her under the vehicle before driving back to the house without immediately seeking medical assistance. Subsequently, local police returned Purton’s call, only to be misled by Austin, who falsely claimed that she was no longer at the scene. The gravity of the situation further unfolded as emergency services eventually arrived, prompting Austin to enlist his father to transport Purton’s body to meet the ambulance while he retired to bed.

Notably, it came to light during the court proceedings that Austin had displayed violent behaviour towards Purton in the past, reportedly making threats on her life and endangering her safety. Purton had even taken measures to protect herself by obtaining a Family Violence Order against Austin due to his history of abuse. The troubling pattern of behaviour raised concerns about the dynamics of their relationship and the risks involved.

Initially charged with murder, Austin later pleaded not guilty, resulting in a revised charge of manslaughter, to which he was ultimately convicted and sentenced. Justice Michael Brett, addressing Austin during the hearing, condemned his actions as “cold-blooded, callous and selfish,” emphasising the severity of the harm caused and his profound culpability in the tragic loss of Jacqui Purton.

Purton’s daughter, Shakira Robertson, bravely addressed the court, recounting the profound impact of her mother’s death and the harrowing experience of bidding goodbye to her under such tragic circumstances. Expressing her deep-seated pain and grief, Robertson articulated her inability to forgive Austin for the irreparable loss of her mother, highlighting the enduring trauma inflicted by the senseless act.

The sentencing of James Kenneth Austin serves as a sombre reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the critical need to address such issues within society. It underscores the importance of supporting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and striving to prevent similar tragedies from recurring in the future. The legacy of Jacqui Purton lives on through the shared determination to combat such atrocities and advocate for justice and change in her memory.