A Canberra man was found guilty of killing the “love of his life” by a jury that agreed with the prosecution’s claim that the victim fell from the car’s hood.
Michael O’Connell, a 43-year-old resident of Coombs, shook his head when the ACT Supreme Court announced the decision.
As correctional services officials escorted O’Connell out of the courtroom, he continued to shake his head.
When Danielle Jordan fell from his car on April 15, she sustained severe injuries, and two days later, she passed away in the hospital.
Although O’Connell frequently referred to Ms Jordan as the “love of his life” during the trial, he acknowledged that their relationship was tumultuous and that they frequently quarrelled at her Melba flat in the early hours of April 15.
The court heard that when he attempted to leave her house at 2 am, Ms. Jordan jumped onto the ute’s bonnet and stopped him. She did the same thing again when he attempted to leave at 4 am.
However, the prosecution’s crucial witness, a 13-year-old girl who was Ms. Jordan’s friend and present at her home that night, disagreed with O’Connell’s version of events.
She reported seeing the suspect operating the vehicle with Ms. Jordan on the bonnet to the police.
She claimed that after they disappeared from view, she rushed after them after hearing thudding tyres.
The ute was parked and Ms. Jordan’s body was on the road next to the ute when she last saw them, according to the testimony given in court.
She claimed that the accused stated “I’m sorry, sorry mate, I didn’t mean to do it” as she approached the car.
According to O’Connell’s story, after Ms. Jordan stepped off the bonnet, he sped off in his ute.
The court was told that he immediately got out of the car after slowing down when he noticed her in his side mirror.
According to what the court heard, Mr. O’Connell told her, “I’m so sorry, baby, I love you.”
Ms. Jordan was then picked up by Mr. O’Connell, who placed her in the passenger seat before taking her to Calvary Hospital.
The question of whether Ms. Jordan was on the ute’s bonnet when she died from her injuries and that O’Connell knew she was there was put to the jury.
The 13-year-old girl’s police interview was played back in court earlier this week as the jury deliberated before retiring to render a decision on Friday.
O’Connell’s punishment will come later.
