A Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Threatening and Murdering His Partner
A man named Toby Loughnane repeatedly threatened his partner, Maryam Hamka, with torture and death through a series of disturbing messages before she disappeared. Her body was not found until years later.
In the messages, Loughnane threatened to shoot, drown, set on fire, and disfigure Hamka. He also sent messages to her friends asking them to convey the message that she was dead.
After a jury found him guilty, Loughnane, who was addicted to ice and GHB, was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He had initially claimed that Hamka died from an overdose, which the jury rejected.
The court heard that Hamka likely died on April 11, 2021, after screams were heard from Loughnane’s apartment. He cleaned the apartment, disposed of her body, and sent messages from her phone to make it seem like she was still alive.
Despite being in custody since the incident, Loughnane did not reveal the location of Hamka’s body until years later.
Domestic Violence Leading to Tragic Outcome
Justice Christopher Beale stated that Hamka’s death occurred in the context of long-term domestic violence. Witnesses testified about the horrific attacks she endured in the months leading up to her death.
One witness recounted an incident where Hamka came to a store with injuries and shared that her boyfriend had assaulted her. Another witness described seeing Loughnane physically attack Hamka.
The court was told about various instances of violence and abuse that Hamka suffered, highlighting the ongoing pattern of domestic violence in their relationship.
Justice Served, But No Relief for the Family
Loughnane was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison. Despite his claims of innocence, the judge noted a lack of genuine remorse from him. The family expressed some relief at the sentencing but acknowledged that it could not bring back Maryam.
With time served, Loughnane would not be eligible for release until 2041.
