Tasmanian Man Admits Manslaughter in Death of Partner, Allegedly Left Her to Die After Impact
Campania, Tasmania – James Kenneth Austin, 40, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of jacqui Purton, 37, his on-again, off-again partner, following an incident in March 2023. The case, heard in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, reveals a disturbing sequence of events culminating in Purton being struck by a car and allegedly left to die [[1]].
Purton was killed in the early hours of March 13, 2023, on a gravel driveway in rural southern Tasmania. The couple had been arguing over accusations of infidelity at a property owned by Austin’s parents in Campania. Purton reportedly called emergency services before attempting to leave the property, walking down the 500-meter driveway.
Austin then struck Purton with his Holden Commodore at a speed of 20-30km/h. Rather of rendering aid, Austin allegedly moved purton to the backseat of the car and drove back to the house, where she succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy revealed Purton suffered injuries consistent with being run over and died “rapidly” [[2]].
Prosecutors allege Austin attempted to cover up the crime, initially telling police and paramedics that Purton had left the property and been hit by another man. He also had amphetamines and alcohol in his system at the time of the incident. The court heard Austin had previously threatened to kill Purton and had, on a prior occasion, driven a car at her when she attempted to leave.
“He did aim at her with a view of scaring her. Thay both thought each other would move and then neither did in time,” prosecutor Heather Denton stated. Denton further asserted Austin “hit her and left her to die [and] tried to divert police away from the property.”
Austin was initially charged with murder, but the charge was reduced to manslaughter. Sentencing is pending. The case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the devastating impact of alleged attempts to obstruct justice.[[3]]
Keywords: Tasmania, Manslaughter, Domestic Violence, Jacqui Purton, James Kenneth Austin, Campania, Crime, Australia, Family Violence, Cover-Up.
CTA: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence,please reach out for help. Resources are available. [Link to relevant domestic violence support organization].
