A man was sentenced to 28 years in prison after being found guilty of threatening to torture and kill his partner in a series of disturbing messages. Toby Loughnane sent appalling texts to his girlfriend, Maryam Hamka, saying he would shoot her, drown her, set her on fire, and even slice off her face. The menacing messages also included threats to make her “scream in agony” and asking her friends to tell her she was dead.
Loughnane, an ice and GHB addict, claimed that Hamka died from an overdose, but the jury rejected this explanation. The court heard that Hamka likely died on April 11, 2021, after screams and sobs were heard coming from Loughnane’s apartment in Brighton. He then cleaned the apartment, drove Hamka’s body 50 miles away, and sent messages from her phone to make it seem like she was still alive.
Despite being in custody since the day after Hamka was reported missing in April 2021, Loughnane did not reveal the location of her body until May 2023. Her remains were not found until August of that year. The court found that Hamka had suffered multiple fractures to her face before her death.
Witnesses testified in Loughnane’s trial about the domestic violence Hamka endured in the months leading up to her death. One witness described seeing Hamka with swollen eyes, lips, and injuries to her wrists and nose after being beaten by Loughnane. Another witness recounted an incident where Loughnane punched and kicked Hamka in the head, face, and back.
The court also heard about a disturbing video Loughnane took of Hamka while she was under the influence of drugs. The video showed him mocking her before she was found dead the next day. Loughnane tried to cover up the crime by telling a friend that Hamka had overdosed and refusing to call for help.
Justice Christopher Beale sentenced Loughnane to at least 20 years in prison, citing the ongoing domestic abuse that led to Hamka’s death. He expressed doubts about Loughnane’s remorse, noting that he only revealed the location of Hamka’s body after his friend agreed to testify against him. Hamka’s family expressed some relief at the sentencing but acknowledged that nothing could bring her back.
Loughnane will not be eligible for parole until 2041, taking into account the time he has already served. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
