Domestic violence murder 'self-defence' claim - Adelaide Now

Murder victim Katherine Dulchie Towner. Picture: 10 News Source: adelaidenow

AN abusive man convicted of bashing his girlfriend to death may have acted in self-defence, his lawyer has claimed.

Jason Lee Gardiner, 33, of Strathalbyn, was last month found guilty of murdering Katherine Dulchie Towner on a camping trip at Easter, in 2011.

Today his lawyer, Nick Vadasz, challenged the conviction in the Court of Criminal Appeal.

He said his client had injuries which could have been the result of him being attacked in the early stages of the struggle.

"There was no direct evidence as to who struck the first blow," Mr Vadasz said.

He said his client had a bite mark on his upper back.

Ms Towner had 30 injuries including a split liver and fractured ribs.

"There was a disproportianality between the injuries of the deceased and the injuries of Mr Gardiner," Mr Vadasz said today.

He said the prosecution had said there was a "toxic and stormy relationship" between the couple.

Mr Vadasz said it was impossible to reject the notion that Gardiner's violence was a response to violence initiated by Ms Towner and that he hit back to defend himself.

"It's possible that she might have started the violence," he said.

The hearing continues this afternoon.