Whangārei, New Zealand – A man was sentenced to eight years in prison for a violent late-night attack on his ex-girlfriend and her new partner at a remote beach campsite in Northland. Michael Bracey, 50, faced charges of wounding with intent to injure and possession of an offensive weapon, specifically a knife, in relation to the November 2021 incident.
The judge condemned Bracey’s actions, emphasizing that women are not possessions and no one has the right to control or limit others. The court heard that Bracey had struggled to accept the end of his brief relationship with Maia Pehi-Hannah, leading to multiple incidents between them.
In a disturbing turn of events, Bracey went to the campsite dressed in dark clothing with gloves and armed with a hammer and knife. He launched a violent attack on Pehi-Hannah’s new partner, leaving him with severe injuries including rib fractures and a laceration to the forehead.
Despite Bracey’s attempts to justify his actions as self-defense or property retrieval, the jury and judge were unconvinced. Judge Gene Tomlinson dismissed Bracey’s claims as “complete and utter rubbish,” pointing out the premeditated nature of the attack.
The impact of the attack was profound, with Pehi-Hannah left psychologically scarred and struggling with crippling anxiety. Her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma caused by Bracey’s actions, expressing a sense of being robbed of her early 20s.
Judge Tomlinson underscored the prevalence of domestic violence-related homicides in New Zealand, warning against the dangerous consequences of such behavior. He commended Pehi-Hannah for her bravery in calling for help during the attack, emphasizing the need for swift intervention in such situations.
Bracey’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The case sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by victims of intimate partner violence and the urgent need for societal support and intervention.