Brock Leslie Marshall: Dalby man appears in District Court for choking, bashing and attempting to abduct his ex-partner

A Dalby man carried out a ‘terrifying act of violence’ on the mother of his children when he strangled and attempted to abduct her. Here’s what happened when he faced court.

Brock Leslie Marshall was sentenced in Dalby District Court for choking and strangling his ex-girlfriend, 2022. Picture: Facebook

A Dalby man broke into his ex-girlfriend’s mother’s house in a chilling crime that later involved him choking, beating and attempting to abduct her.

Brock Leslie Marshall’s ex-girlfriend woke up to him strangling her and shoving his fingers down her throat, preventing her from breathing on August 31, 2021 in Dalby, the city’s District Court was told.

The woman’s cries for help were heard by her mother when Marshall loosened his grip, and the court was told she came to the room and was confronted by the 24-year-old man who held a knife at the victim’s throat and made threats.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren described the man’s actions as “very serious, violent and troubling” in Dalby District Court as the man stood looking nervous with his mother and step dad seated behind him.

“You broke into her mother’s house while the kids were there and you were wearing gloves to avoid fingerprints and socks to avoid being heard,” Judge Horneman-Wren said.

“All occupants of the house were asleep, you located your ex-partner and commenced strangling her.”

The court was told when the man’s ex tried to run away and hide to call the police, he broke through the doors and found her holding their infant child.

Judge Horneman-Wren said the man asked his ex to put down the baby, where he then escorted her out to the car and banged her head against the side of it as he pushed her in.

“She managed to get out and run, then you caught up with her and pushed her on the road causing further injuries,” he said.

The court heard neighbours reported the horrifying scenes to police and when they questioned Marshall further he made “statements downplaying what happened”.

Defence barrister Wesley Seewald submitted a psychologist’s report in court which outlined his client as being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and anxiety.

He said his client who had no criminal history prior to this offending had struggled in pre-sentence custody.

“He instructs the time he spent in prison has been particularly onerous on him as he’s never been incarcerated before,” Mr Seewald said.

Crown prosecutor Stephen Muir presented victim impact statements from Marshall’s ex-girlfriend and her mother which outlined the “disastrous impact” the horrifying events have had not only on their lives but their children’s.

“It’s incredibly concerning a man so young with no prior offences begun such serious offending,” Mr Muir said.

Marshall, who had already spent 447 days in prison, pleaded guilty to deprivation of liberty, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, strangulation, choking, burglary at night while armed, common assault, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was sentenced to five and a half years’ jail, with a parole eligibility date of June 30, 2023.