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

An Australian man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter in connection with the March 2023 death of his ex-partner, who he ran over with a car in his parents’ driveway.

James Kenneth Austin was sentenced Thursday, July 3, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s 9News, and The Mercury.

Austin, 40, received his sentencing after several family members of his ex-partner Jacqui Lee Purton read victim statements describing how her death has impacted their lives — including Purton’s mother and adult daughter.

A forensic pathologist testified that Purton, a mother of four, died “rapidly” from her injuries, according to ABC, after Austin had run her over with his car driving about 15 miles per hour. 

Purton was trying to leave the house Austin shared with his parents in rural Tasmania after an argument between the couple.

The mother of four was trying to call for a ride — including calling local police via a non-emergency number — but had struggled to receive cell service.

Then, according to ABC and 9News, Austin drove his car down the driveway and ran Purton over, dragging her underneath the entirety of the vehicle before driving the car back up to the house without calling emergency services. 

Local police then returned Purton’s call from the house, according to the outlets, and Austin told them not to come because Purton was no longer there. ABC reported that Austin lied “several times” to emergency services, who eventually did arrive at the house. Austin asked his father to drive Purton’s body down to meet an ambulance at the end of the driveway while he instead went to bed, according to the outlet.

9News reported that Austin had been violent towards Purton and had threatened to kill her in the past, including driving his car at her and causing her to jump out of the way. Purton also had a Family Violence Order against Austin because of his past abuse, according to the outlet.

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Austin had been charged with Purton’s murder, according to ABC, but he pleaded not guilty and the charge was later withdrawn. He was then charged with manslaughter, which he was convicted of and sentenced for Thursday.

“Your actions were cold-blooded, callous and selfish to an extent which is difficult to describe in words,” Justice Michael Brett told Austin during Thursday’s hearing, according to ABC, adding, “The foreseeable potential for harm was extremely high, so is your personal culpability.”

Purton’s daughter Shakira Robertson told the court she was so afraid of not recognizing her mother after her death that she wore a blindfold while saying her final goodbyes to her body.

“To sum up feels impossible, there are no right words, losing her in a horrific way has destroyed me,” Purton’s daughter said, adding that she “will never forgive” Austin for her mother’s death.