Man jailed for 25 years for pregnant partner's murder

Michelle Darragh had two boys she adored, a heart of gold and a social work career that allowed her to help people in her community.

When her partner tried to take his own life in September 2021, she intervened and saved his life.

A month later he ended hers.

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Benjamin Coman, 31, was jailed for 25 years on Friday by Victorian Supreme Court Justice Andrew Tinney who described the violent killing of Darragh in her family home on October 9, 2021 as unforgivable.

In a courtroom packed with family, Darragh's mother Dianne burst into tears as the sentence was announced.

Her daughter loved her family, adored her sons and did good for the community by looking after other people's children. Now they are raising hers.

"I miss her so much," she said, supported outside court by her husband Ashley and their children Samantha, James and Aaron.

Darragh was 12 weeks' pregnant with her third child when she was murdered. She had ended her relationship with Coman and had gone to pick up clothes while her parents cared for her sons.

When she didn't return, family began to worry.

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Her father went to check on her and discovered her body.

That experience scarred his soul, he said.

Coman had stabbed Darragh three times with a carving knife while suppressing her screams.

She was entirely unsuspecting and innocent, and especially vulnerable because she was pregnant, Justice Tinney said.

Coman, 31, had experienced a deterioration in his mental health in the lead-up to Darragh's murder.

Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Carroll said Coman had developed psychotic depression, including paranoia, voices, hallucinations and delusions, following years of drug use.

He had delusional beliefs Darragh was unfaithful and their children were not his.

But Justice Tinney said Coman was jealous and controlling for years, even before the psychosis.

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The court heard the couple had separated twice previously because of issues including Coman's drug use, his admission of going to brothels, and reckless spending of joint savings - including $82,000 on a car.

Coman's whole perception of Darragh was poisoned by his psychosis, according to Carroll, who said Coman was experiencing despair and resentment.

He had simmering anger that boiled over into acute rage, he said.

Coman admitted to police he had argued with Darragh but claimed he only stabbed her once and had not realised at the time.

But Justice Tinney said it was inconceivable Coman could not have been aware what he had done to Darragh.

Coman's father, a clinical psychologist, provided a lengthy reference for him during a pre-sentence hearing, the judge said.

Mr Darragh said Coman showed no remorse for his actions, and described the sentence as just.

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He apologised when one of the supporters cried out "suffer you dog" when Tinney announced the sentence.

Another said "thank you" as the judge left court.

Family wore orange ribbons for the hearing, in Darragh's memory.

"She was obsessed with orange, it was her favourite colour," Mr Darragh said outside court, prompting laughter from those who knew her best.

Coman was ordered to serve at least 20 years before he's eligible for parole.

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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