A woman feared for her life during a brutal attack by her violent partner on a cruise ship. David Morris, 57, described as a repeat offender in domestic violence cases, assaulted his partner in their cabin while on a P&O cruise to Belgium and France.
The victim suffered severe injuries including bruising, a friction burn on her arm, and a suspected rib cage fracture after Morris verbally abused her, pushed her to the floor, and threatened her life. He poured cold water on her, pushed her around, and even held a pillow over her face, causing her to fear for her safety.
Morris was sentenced to 46 months in prison for the assault. The court heard how he subjected his partner to a horrifying ordeal after she returned to the cabin from the ship’s salon. The victim managed to escape the situation by convincing Morris to leave for a drink, allowing her to seek help and report the incident to the authorities.
The victim described the attack as the most terrifying experience of her life, expressing ongoing mental health struggles and feelings of insecurity. Morris pleaded guilty to suffocation and has a history of violent offenses. Despite his lawyer’s plea for a suspended sentence, the judge emphasized the severity of his actions and labeled him as a significant danger to women.
A restraining order was issued against Morris to prevent any contact with the victim for an indefinite period. The court stressed the need for rehabilitation and the potential risks Morris poses to intimate partners based on his past behavior.
