A former businessman from Yorkshire has been sentenced for a vicious assault on his wife during what was supposed to be a luxury five-star holiday in Thailand.
Violent Outburst at Luxury Resort
David Turner, 61, admitted assaulting his wife, causing actual bodily harm, at the Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort and Spa on July 4, 2024. Hull Crown Court heard the attack happened while the couple were on holiday with their adult son and Turner's father.
Prosecutor Stephen Welch told the court Turner had been drinking cocktails and went missing before being found violently ill in a bathroom. When his wife tried to help him, Turner wrongly accused her of having been absent. He then launched a sustained and brutal assault.
'Frothing at the Mouth' Attack
The victim described Turner as "frothing at the mouth, shouting and screaming" during the onslaught. He pushed her into wardrobe drawers, strangled her multiple times, kicked her repeatedly in the body and legs, and struck her head against the toilet floor. He also punched her in the head until she lost consciousness.
"She thought that she was going to die," Mr Welch said. The attack escalated further when Turner approached her with a knife, throwing it at her before threatening to kill her in the presence of their son. The victim suffered extensive bruising to her head, face, body and limbs.
Living a 'Nightmare' Aftermath
In a victim impact statement, the woman said the past year had been a "living nightmare" that affected her mental health, work, and relationships. She became a recluse, terrified of leaving her house in case she saw Turner.
"I was scared he was in my room at night," she said. "I would wake up in the middle of the night worried that he would come in and finish me off." She suffered panic attacks, nightmares, and was unable to work for over two months. Her brother had to change the locks on her home.
Turner, formerly of Hull and Beverley but now of Harlow Park Crescent, Harrogate, was arrested after returning from Thailand. He had no previous convictions.
Suspended Sentence and Restraining Order
Mitigating, Julia Baggs said Turner pleaded guilty and was "extremely remorseful." She stated the attack was completely out of character after 28 years of marriage and that he was devastated it had ruined their relationship. References described him as hardworking and a dedicated family man.
Turner, a former businessman whose company closed due to illness, was given a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, a 26-day probation programme, and 10 days of rehabilitation. He was ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation and a £187 victim surcharge.
The judge imposed a 10-year restraining order, prohibiting Turner from contacting his wife.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy.
