A former businessman has been sentenced for a vicious assault on his wife during what was supposed to be a luxury five-star holiday in Thailand.
Violent Attack in Luxury Resort
David Turner, 61, pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, causing actual bodily harm, during their stay at the Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort and Spa on July 4, 2024. Hull Crown Court heard the attack left the victim fearing for her life.
The court was told Turner, who had been drinking cocktails, became violent after being found unwell in a bathroom. When his wife tried to help him, he accused her of having been missing. He then launched a sustained assault.
'Frothing at the Mouth' and Strangulation
Prosecutor Stephen Welch detailed the horrifying sequence of events. Turner forcefully pushed his wife into wardrobe drawers before strangling her. She described him as "frothing at the mouth, shouting and screaming".
The assault escalated as he kicked her repeatedly in the body and legs, strangled her again, and struck her head against the toilet floor. He then punched her repeatedly in the head until she lost consciousness. The victim stated she genuinely believed she was going to die.
The terrifying incident continued when Turner approached her with a knife, throwing it at her before threatening to kill her in the presence of their adult son, who was also present on the holiday.
Trauma and a 'Living Nightmare'
The victim suffered extensive bruising to her head, face, body, and limbs. In a personal impact statement, she described the past year as a "living nightmare" that affected every aspect of her life, including her mental health, work, and relationships.
She became a recluse, terrified of leaving her house in case she saw Turner. She revealed she would wake at night in fear that he would enter her home and "finish me off", leading her brother to change the locks. It was only after obtaining a non-molestation order that she felt some safety to go out.
Sentence and Aftermath
Julia Baggs, mitigating, 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 of previous good character, supported by five references.
Turner, formerly of Hull and Beverley but now of Harlow Park Crescent, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was arrested after returning from Thailand. He had no previous convictions.
The judge handed Turner a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, a 26-day Building Choices programme, and 10 days of rehabilitation. He must pay £2,000 in compensation to his victim and a £187 victim surcharge. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
