ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Man who drowned his elderly wife sentenced to jail

He was her full-time carer - by Amber Wemyss
  • 27 Feb 2020
Man who drowned his elderly wife sentenced to jail

An Adelaide man has been sentenced to jail for murdering his wheelchair-bound wife in 2017.

Peter Dansie drowned his 67-year-old wife, Helen, by pushing her wheelchair into a pond at Veale Gardens. She had previously worked as a microbiologist before a stroke in the 1990s left her with long-term disabilities.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Danise murdered his wife because of the cost burden associated with caring for her.

Justice David Lovell established that the motive for the murder was fuelled by a deterioration in Dansie's feelings towards his wife and an interest in pursuing a sexual relationship with another woman in China.

During sentencing, Justice Lovell described the murder as the 'ultimate act of domestic violence' and an 'evil and despicable act'.

'This was a chilling, planned murder of a person whose only mistake was to trust you,' he said.

Dansie was sentenced to life in prison with a non parole period of 25 years.

Following the sentencing, Helen's family commended the work of the SA Police and prosecutors involved in the case.

However, they revealed they would support a thorough review into the way the state government deals with 'the rights of the most vulnerable' to ensure they are protected.

For support, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 

Amber Wemyss
Amber Wemyss
Amber is a Features Writer for that's life! Her work has also been published with 7News, New Idea, Practical Parenting, Kidspot, Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Pick Me Up, Real People, Chat and Daily Star.

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

Holly the heart hero

Holly the heart hero

30-year heartbreak  - who killed Kerry Turner?

30-year heartbreak - who killed Kerry Turner?

My runny nose was cancer

My runny nose was cancer

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

{headline}

{headline}

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

How chalk found me love!

How chalk found me love!

{headline}

{headline}

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

I became an ice addict at 40 - Now I'm helping others

I became an ice addict at 40 - Now I'm helping others

There was no room for my boy's brain

There was no room for my boy's brain

Aussie Dad's mission - I had two months to save my girl's life

Aussie Dad's mission - I had two months to save my girl's life

I was born with half a face

I was born with half a face

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!