Overview

• Court heard the relationship began in July 2021 and escalated into controlling behaviour that monitored his partner’s social media, dictated her clothing and isolated her from friends.
• On January 7, 2024, Melia confronted his girlfriend over vaping, strangled her, punched her and attempted to bite her nose during a violent attack at her home.
• His criminal history includes four prior convictions dating back to 2002, notably a 2017 imprisonment for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and making threats to kill a former partner.
• During the hearing Melia expressed remorse, attributed his actions to childhood experiences of domestic violence and alcohol misuse, and said he has quit drinking and begun self-help measures.
• The five-year restraining order bars Melia from contacting his former partner as part of efforts to ensure her ongoing protection