A woman feared for her life when her abusive partner attacked her on a cruise, leaving her with injuries. David Morris, 57, described as a repeat offender in domestic violence cases, assaulted his partner in their cabin during a P&O cruise to Belgium and France.
The victim sustained bruises, a friction burn, and a possible rib fracture after Morris verbally abused her, pushed her down, and poured cold water on her. He then threatened her with boiling water, held a pillow over her face, and threatened to kill her. Morris was sentenced to 46 months in prison for this assault.
The victim managed to escape by convincing Morris to go for a drink, then reported the incident to the ship’s staff once they docked in France. She suffered physical and emotional trauma from the attack, with flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep disturbances affecting her daily life.
In court, Morris pleaded guilty to suffocation, revealing a history of violent behavior. Despite his defense arguing for leniency, the judge emphasized Morris’s dangerous nature and issued a restraining order to protect the victim. The victim expressed lasting fear and trauma from the incident, highlighting the ongoing impact on her mental health.