A former South Australian police detective who repeatedly abused his ex-wife has been sentenced to prison.
Matthew Thomson, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of assault, four counts of aggravated assault, and one count of aggravated assault causing harm, relating to incidents between April 2013 and February 2018.
WATCH ABOVE: Domestic violence victim asks for police reforms.
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Thomson’s request to return to Queensland to serve his sentence under home detention with his new wife and baby was denied.
Outside court on Monday, his ex-wife, Stella Magnisalis, called for “comprehensive reforms” within the police force, which she said failed to act on her repeated pleas for help.
“How many of us will die until they listen,” she said.
Thomson was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars.
Speaking to the media, Magnisalis urged police to uphold their duty to protect everyone — including people victimised by their own officers.
“I speak today for the women and children still living in fear, for those who were turned away and not believed, for those no longer here,” she said.
“My voice is my power and I’m using it to demand truth, justice and change.
“I’m speaking out today because I refuse to carry the shame and guilt any longer.
“I am a survivor of assaults, this is not toxic masculinity, this is not a toxic relationship — it is manipulation, calculated, pre-meditated violence by someone once seen as a pillar of our community.”
Court documents revealed the assaults took place over a period of five years, including one incident on Christmas Day.
All but one offence occurred while Thomson was a serving member of South Australia Police.
Thomson admitted to dragging Magnisalis by her hair, throwing her against a wall and the floor, spitting on her, and strangling her in front of their baby daughter.
He served 12 years with SAPOL before resigning and starting his own private consulting business. He has since relocated to Queensland.
“I escaped the relationship several times. Missed opportunities to intervene were used to protect you by the boys in blue,” Magnisalis said.
She also revealed that the abuse continued throughout her pregnancy.
“Even while pregnant with their daughter, the abuse and assaults never stopped,” she told the court, adding that her calls for help were “never truly heard and always overlooked.”
Thomson will be eligible for parole in June next year.
Stella Magnisalis has been identified with permission.
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