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John Matthew Darch jailed for terrifying petrol attack on wife, sparked by bedtime dispute

Headshot of Jakeb Waddell
Jakeb WaddellThe West Australian
John Matthew Darch was sentenced to nearly three years’ prison at Bunbury District Court for the terrifying assault which left his wife Brooke fearing for her life.
Camera IconJohn Matthew Darch was sentenced to nearly three years’ prison at Bunbury District Court for the terrifying assault which left his wife Brooke fearing for her life. Credit: The West Australian

A man has been jailed for a sickening attack on his wife in which he poured petrol over her and threatened to burn her alive all because she would not go to bed when he wanted.

John Matthew Darch was sentenced to nearly three years’ prison at Bunbury District Court for the terrifying assault which left his wife Brooke fearing for her life.

The pair, who have two children, were drinking next to a fire outside their home on October 26 last year when Darch lashed out over the bedtime dispute.

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The 33-year-old kicked his wife in the knee, causing her to fall to the floor, and then proceeded to punch and slap her while she was on the ground.

John Matthew Darch was sentenced to nearly three years’ prison at Bunbury District Court for the terrifying assault which left his wife Brooke fearing for her life.
Camera IconJohn Matthew Darch was sentenced to nearly three years’ prison at Bunbury District Court for the terrifying assault which left his wife Brooke fearing for her life. Credit: John Darch/Facebook

Darch then grabbed a jerry can and poured about 5 litres of petrol over his defenceless wife as she lay just a few metres away from the fire.

He said he would burn her alive, calling her a “piece of s..t” and “crappy mother”.

After the petrified woman took off her jumper and ran into the house he chased her inside, where the court was told he abused her further, before she managed to flee.

Their children, aged one and three, were in the house at the time.

The court was told earlier this month that Darch, who has been in custody since the night the incident occurred, was on new psychotropic medication for mental health problems when drinking that night.

Prosecutor Michael Perrella said the victim’s life had been put at “significant” risk and she had since suffered difficulty sleeping, feelings of being depressed and was triggered by the smell of petrol.

Darched kicked his wife in the knee, causing her to fall to the floor, and then proceeded to punch and slap her while she was on the ground.
Camera IconDarched kicked his wife in the knee, causing her to fall to the floor, and then proceeded to punch and slap her while she was on the ground. Credit: John Darch/Facebook

Mr Perrella said she had been significantly impacted by fear over what the couple’s children may have witnessed that night.

In handing down Darch’s sentence, Judge David MacLean said the potentially deadly behaviour was “breathtaking” and had ruined many lives.

“Through your selfishness and rage against your former partner, you’ve destroyed your family,” he said.

“Although you were not charged with offences against your children . . . you’ve taken away the opportunity in these very important years (their chance) of having any meaningful relationship with you.

“You don’t need to be a medical practitioner to understand that you do not mix psychotropic medication with alcohol and you certainly don’t get intoxicated.

“It demonstrates a reckless disregard for the combination of those two dangerous substances, even though it’s prescribed.

“It’s not a toy. It’s not a treat. It’s something which if not taken properly is dangerous.”

Darch’s two-year and 10-month prison sentence was backdated until October 27 meaning he will eligible for parole next year.

A family violence restraining order was also imposed to protect his wife, who has now divorced Darch.

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