32-year-old Helena Broadbent was on a phone call to triple zero when she fell out of her partner’s car.
35-year-old William Wilson has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his partner Broadbent fell out of a Mitsubishi Triton in Melbourne on Saturday and died in hospital following a caesarean delivery.
Police told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday that Wilson allegedly had an argument with Broadbent at their home at Keilor Downs.
Detective Sergeant Darryl Out said Broadbent called triple zero, saying Wilson was threatening to kill her with a hammer.
Believing police were on the way, Wilson took several items from the home and left in the vehicle, where Broadbent was attempting to retrieve the two child seats.
Wilson drove off with Broadbent still in the vehicle and on the phone to triple zero, the court heard.
Police said Broadbent could be heard saying “he’s going to take off with the kids’ seats” before “a scream, then silence” followed.
Sergeant Out said Broadbent fell from the back seat onto the road as Wilson made a right turn, hitting her head on the pavement.
“Investigators believe the accused ought to have known Ms Broadbent was at risk of being seriously injured while driving the car, with her being in proximity, and should not have driven further once she had opened the door,” Sergeant Out said.
Broadbent “suffered a catastrophic brain injury” and was sent to a hospital, but died after delivering her baby.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said of Wilson, “He must have known in my view that she was inside the car and certainly he knew she was trying to get the seat out for the children.
“It shows disregard not only for her but his own children.
“It is a strong case for the prosecution and if convicted the accused can expect to receive a long period of imprisonment.”
The Magistrate rejected the bail request from Wilson’s lawyer, saying the Melbourne man was facing a “serious charge” and that “there is no compelling reason why his detention is not justified”.
Wilson is set to appear in court again on January 6.
According to the ABC, Australian police deal with 5,000 domestic violence cases on average every week, or about one every two minutes.
On average, one woman is murdered by her current of former partner every week, the Australian Institute of Criminology reported.
