UPDATE: A superyacht worker has avoided jail time after a shocking kidnapping incident involving his ex-girlfriend. Ethan Davis, 24, was sentenced in Gosford District Court for intimidating and threatening the woman while armed with a knife, compelling her to delete incriminating evidence. This urgent case underscores the severe implications of domestic violence as it unfolds.
The disturbing events occurred after the woman broke up with Davis in August 2023. On that fateful night in Sydney, around 9 PM, Davis, dressed in black and wearing latex gloves, lay in wait for her to finish work. When she attempted to escape, he forcibly grabbed her, covering her mouth to silence her screams. The victim was shoved into a car where Davis forced her to delete messages and photos from her phone while wielding a multi-tool with a knife blade extended.
Davis’s actions escalated after he had bombarded the woman with over 200 calls and numerous threatening messages, including a bizarre transfer of $0.01 to her bank account with the note “answer your phone.” He even threatened to break into her home if she did not comply. Judge Miiko Kumar described the kidnapping as the culmination of a series of “opportunistic” domestic violence offenses that spanned just a week, painting a chilling picture of desperation fueled by fear of losing his job if the incriminating messages were revealed.
“This would have been extremely terrifying for the victim,” Judge Kumar emphasized during the sentencing. The woman has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the ordeal, significantly impacting her daily life and sense of safety.
Davis, who expressed genuine remorse in court, stated, “I don’t justify my behaviour. I shouldn’t have done any of it … it’s shameful.” Despite acknowledging his past actions, the judge noted his youth and lack of prior offenses as factors contributing to a more lenient sentence.
In a controversial decision, Davis received a three-year intensive correction order, allowing him to serve the sentence in the community instead of behind bars. He is also mandated to participate in a domestic violence prevention program and is required to abstain from drugs, which he was reportedly using up to four times a week before his arrest.
While the judge accepted that Davis was unlikely to reoffend, she stated that the impact of his actions on the victim was profound and lasting. Taking into account the 10 weeks he spent on remand, his sentence is set to expire in September 2028.
This case highlights the urgent need for awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, resources such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available to offer help.
Stay tuned for further developments as this case continues to resonate within the community and beyond.
