Naranga murder scene
Share this @internewscast.com

A man convicted of killing his wife in a “cowardly rage” with a 1.8kg sledgehammer has not succeeded in appealing his conviction.

Shaun Robert Sturgess, then aged 54, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his wife of 17 years Jacqueline at the start of his Queensland Supreme Court trial in February 2024.

In April 2020, police discovered his wife lying face down in a pool of blood at the house in Narangba, north of Brisbane, which the couple had shared before separating.

Naranga murder scene
Mother-of-two Jacqueline Sturgess, 45, was left lying face down in a pool of her own blood until her body was discovered the next day by police.(9News)

The appeal justices outlined several statements made by Sturgess to the police and in letters following his wife’s death, which were presented to the jury as evidence of his intent.

“She’s probably driven me to it. But she didn’t deserve that,” Sturgess told police in an interview.

In February 2024, Sturgess was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 20 years without parole, later reduced to 16 years and two months considering the time he had already served.

Cook said Sturgess had struck his wife with significant force out of a sense of “cowardly rage” as part of a horrible domestic violence incident.

In sentencing, Justice Tom Sullivan said Sturgess had left the scene to buy and drink alcohol without checking his wife’s vital signs.

“In your police interview there is a sense of regret, a lot in respect of yourself, some of it wallowing in self-pity,” Justice Sullivan said.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Helicopter Crash in Sydney Leaves One Man Dead and Teenager Seriously Injured

The incident took place in Bankstown, located in Sydney’s south-west, around 1:30…

When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in Australia and How to Adjust Your Clocks

On Sunday, many Australians will lose an hour of sleep as daylight…
Canning Vale

Perth Teenager in Critical Condition Following Car Park Stabbing Incident

A 16-year-old boy is clinging to life after being stabbed several times…
Cyclone Errol is forecast to make landfall on Good Friday.

Upcoming Tropical Cyclone Names in Australia Are Diverse and Unique

A punk rock icon and a fermented Japanese rice have helped inspire…
In this undated photo provided by shipwreck salvage company 1715 Fleet- Queens Jewels, LLC, diver Levin Shavers shows coins uncovered from a Spanish shipwreck off the Atlantic coast of Florida.

Archaeologists Discover $1.5 Million Worth of Gold Coins in Spanish Shipwreck

Hidden below the turquoise waters along Florida’s “Treasure Coast,” a team of…
Cloudi Saliba US ESTA story

Surprise Email Disrupts Perth Couple’s $3,000 Hawaii Vacation Plans

Exclusive: Cloudi Saliba had her bags packed, passport ready and was about…
FILE - A Nobel medal is seen at the Swedish ambassador's residence in London, Dec. 8, 2020. (Niklas Halle'n/Pool via AP, File)

Essential Information on the Esteemed Nobel Prize Honors

The Nobel Prize winners will be announced next week. The awards are…
First female Archbishop of Canterbury in history of Church of England appointed

Historic Appointment: First Woman Named Archbishop of Canterbury in Church of England

Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, has been announced as Archbishop of…

Fresh Development in Controversial Pamphlet Case Aiming at Teal MP Allegra Spender

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has launched legal action against a person…
Balin Miller sits atop Mount Hunter on May 14, 2025 after summiting via the French Connection route solo.

Renowned US climber tragically falls to death from Yosemite’s El Capitan

A popular Alaskan climber has fallen to his death from Yosemite National…
farm at Woodhill

Husband to Face Trial for Allegedly Faking Wife’s Death

A man facing charges for allegedly making his wife’s death appear as…
Levi had just turned 16 and gotten his learner driver's licence.

Devastated Mother Urges Vaccine Funding Following Sudden Death of Teen

A heartbroken mother is urging for the meningococcal B vaccine to be…