Former Cairns business owner Sharm Hess in court for choking

A former business owner has shut up shop and relocated 1200kms after an alcohol-fuelled domestic violence act where his partner of 18 years “thought she was going to die”.

Former Cairns business owner Sharm Hess, 35, fronted Rockhampton District Court on January 31, 2025, after choking his partner while on a family holiday at Port Douglas on February 10, 2024.

A former business owner has shut up shop and relocated 1200kms after an alcohol-fuelled domestic violence act where his partner of 18 years “thought she was going to die”.

Former Cairns business owner Sharm Hess, 35, fronted Rockhampton District Court on January 31 after choking his partner while on a family holiday at Port Douglas on February 10, 2024.

Crown prosecutor Cameron Keast said the couple were at a caravan park in Port Douglas and Hess had been drinking alcohol all day while fishing and after returning, he became involved in an argument with her family and he told her to pack her stuff after she told him to stop.

He said Hess also told her to get the children and go.

Mr Keast said when the victim complied, he said to her “if you leave me here, you’ll know about it. The s**t is going to hit the roof”.

He said the victim continued packing and as she was walking out, Hess placed her in a chokehold and squeezed.

Judge Jeff Clarke said Hess lifted the victim off the ground while she was in the chokehold.

“She was unable to breath,” Mr Keast said.

“Her ears were ringing.

“She thought she was going to die.

“She swung some punches.”

He said the victim, who doesn’t know if any of her punches connected with Hess or not, managed to break free from his hold.

Mr Keast said Hess apologised and was escorted away by others.

He said Hess was arrested and charged a week later.

The court heard Hess had been in a relationship with the victim for 18 years and they had three children together.

Defence lawyer Jordan Ahlstrand said his client started a mobile truck detailing business three years after leaving school in Year 9 and starting a vinyl repair apprenticeship.

He said Hess had come from a disadvantaged childhood where his parents were drug addicts but he had no history of drug use.

Mr Ahlstrand said he had relocated to Gladstone, now worked for Cleanaway and was in a new relationship.

He said Hess had looked into going into a rehabilitation clinic after this offence, but the cost of private legal fees meant he couldn’t afford to.

Mr Ahlstrand said he instead had abstained from drinking alcohol and attended Alcohol Anonymous meetings.

Hess pleaded guilty to one count of choking and was sentenced to 2.5 years prison, wholly suspended and operational for 3.5 years.