Jack Chambers, 33, awaits sentence for attempted murder, stalking

A man who strangled his victim twice before running her off the road at Murchison two months later has left the woman in constant fear and with PTSD.

Jack Chambers, 33, is awaiting his sentence after pleading guilty to attempted murder, stalking and five charges of conduct endangering life.

A man who strangled his victim twice before running her off the road at Murchison two months later has left her in constant fear and with PTSD, a court has heard.

Jack Chambers, 33, appeared in the Shepparton Supreme Court on Friday after pleading guilty to attempted murder, stalking, and five charges of conduct endangering life.

Prosecutor Neill Hutton told the court Chambers strangled his victim twice in a Seymour motel room in November 2022, saying “die, I hope you die,” before she lost consciousness.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said, “I truly believe Jack wanted me dead” and that she only escaped by convincing him she would not go to the police.

Jack Chambers appeared in the Shepparton Supreme Court for a pre-sentencing hearing where victim impact statements were read.

After the November attack, Chambers stalked the victim and on January 12, he followed her in a rental car as she traveled on Toolamba Rd, Murchison.

Chambers then drove beside her car, swerved left, and caused her vehicle to spin three times before crashing into a road sign and trees.

She managed to get out of the car but Chambers pushed her against the bonnet and punched her four times.

She fled and flagged down another car for help at which point Chambers re-entered his rental car and drove at 52km/h into the stationary vehicle, which had the victim and three others inside, injuring them.

Police found letters in the rental car addressed to the victim’s and Chambers’ families.

The letters included phrases such as “I did it in the name of love” and “I take full responsibility,” along with instructions about his money and assets.

The victim said she had been diagnosed with PTSD and now lived in fear.

“It completely changed who I am,” she said.

Using a rental car on January 12, Jack Chambers followed his victim in her car as she was travelling on Toolamba Rd, Murchison before ramming her off the road. Picture: Google

Judge Jane Dixon noted the significant trauma suffered by the victim.

“It’s very clear how traumatised she’s been by what’s occurred and how fearful she remains of him,” she said, describing Chambers’ stalking as “sinister”.

Glenn Casement, representing Chambers, argued he had fair prospects of redemption, given his lack of prior criminal history.

“His life has been characterised by decent work and productivity but who has also had his fair share of difficulties,” he said.

A psychological assessment revealed Chambers had autism and traits of borderline personality disorder.

Mr Casement claimed there was no planning or premeditation when Chambers first strangled the victim in 2022.

He also argued that because the intent to kill had diminished when Chambers rammed the second vehicle, the attempted murder charge was on the “lower end of serious”.

The Metropolitan Remand Centre, where Jack Chambers has been remanded as he awaits sentencing for seven charges.

Mr Casement further raised concerns about Chambers’ safety in custody, mentioning a “scuffle” and attempted stabbing at the Metropolitan Remand Centre.

He said Chambers accepted he would serve more time in prison but believed his eventual reintegration and rehabilitation were in the community’s best interests.

Chambers, wearing a blue chequered collared shirt and tie, sat with his hands in his lap and eyes downcast for most of the hearing.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date.