A man has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter following the death of Jacqui Purton, a 37-year-old mother of four, who was struck by a vehicle on a rural property in Campania, around 35 kilometres north-east of Hobart, in March 2023. Initially charged with murder, James Kenneth Austin has been in custody since the incident.
In the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart, Austin admitted to driving the car that hit Ms Purton and acknowledged his negligence in failing to take necessary precautions to prevent harm. However, no additional details surrounding the incident were disclosed during the court proceedings.
Ms Purton’s mother expressed her anguish in court, shouting, “I hope my daughter haunts you, you scum,” as the session concluded. Austin is currently remanded in custody and is set to return to court on June 30 to receive submission for sentencing.
In a heartfelt social media post after his daughter’s tragic passing, Scott Purton, Ms Purton’s father, conveyed his deep grief, stating his family’s hearts had been “ripped apart” and emphasising the love she had for her children. A white Holden Commodore was impounded by police as part of their investigation into the incident.
For those affected by similar issues, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).