Leanne Thompson has delivered a powerful statement after her abuser was finally sentenced for multiple crimes against her.
Paul Arnold subjected Leanne to an 18-month campaign of terror that began in 2023.
The former business owner and Darwin City councillor committed multiple acts of violence on Leanne, verbally abused her, bombarded her with calls and texts messages and stalked her after a domestic violence was put in place to protect Leanne.
At one stage he called Triple-0 claiming he was the victim and Leanne was the perpetrator.
Last year he was convicted on multiple charges including assault, deprivation of liberty, stalking, breaching a DVO and damage to property.
His sentencing was finally delivered this week.
Despite his ongoing abuse against Leanne, Arnold was give a nine months home detention and a two-year intensive community corrections order.
“I find there is no remorse at all for the harm you have inflicted on Ms Thompson,” the judge said.
After the sentencing, Leanne read a statement to media.
“I leave today knowing I have done everything in my power to stop this from happening to anyone else,” she said.
“Despite being educated, independent and strong, domestic violence happened to me.
“What Paul did to me, the violence, intimidation, coercion and relentless harassment, a was deliberate and cruel.
“For years he tried to destroy my reputation and undermine my credibility.
“I stood by the truth throughout this entire process while he tried to silence me, discredit and destroy me.
“For anyone living through something similar, the path out is hard and the journey tested me in ways I would never have imagined — but it’s worth it.
“It gave me back my voice my safety, and showed me I was far stronger and more resilient than I ever believed.”
