Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin.
A KATHERINE man has been sentenced to 11 years in jail after bashing his wife to death.
Esau Hodgson and his wife were married for 20 years, when the 47-year-old bashed his partner during an argument.
The woman died from extensive injuries that were described to Justice Peter Barr as “absolutely horrific”.
During the trial the injuries were described as being similar to those caused by “falling out of a plane”.
During the trial which was held in Darwin last week the Northern Territory Supreme Court heard Mr Hodgson and his wife had been arguing while walking along the Victoria Highway to their home at Binjari community about 15 kilometres west of Katherine.
Court heard Mr Hodgson beat his wife because she was too drunk to walk.
His wife sustained severe injuries including collapsed lungs, abdominal bleeding, fractured ribs and a torn liver.
In sentencing, Justice Barr said he did not believe the Katherine man had intended to cause serious harm to his wife.
Mr Hodgson was intoxicated when he bashed his wife to death.
His 11-year sentence is to be served for five years and nine months without parole..
Mr Hodgson was convicted of manslaughter in March this year.