Travis Alexander Ryder: Geraldton man imprisoned for a year and a half for ‘horrendous’ assault on partner

A man who viciously attacked his partner, choking her, smashing a chair on her back, and ripping out clumps of her hair, has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison. Travis Alexander Ryder, 32, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on May 22 after being convicted of assaulting his partner of three years and impeding her ability to breathe. On May 20, 2022, Ryder was drunk at his family’s home in Rangeway, when his partner arrived after visiting a neighbour. Ryder accused her of cheating on him and, as Magistrate Angus Hockton described it, went into a “jealous rage.” Ryder grabbed the victim by the hair, brought her to the ground and dragged her along a hallway, while punching her head and pulling clumps of hair off her scalp, and then hit her on the face with a metal pole. Fearing she would be killed, the victim screamed for help, which led to Ryder wrapping his arms around her throat and head, preventing her from breathing for 15 seconds. He then raised a wooden chair over his head and slammed it on her back, causing it to smash. Ryder then hit her with a broken chair leg, and then hit her on the head and shook her by the hair. Police were called to the home and Ryder was arrested. A trial was set to commence for the charges, before Ryder changed his plea to guilty on October 27. Ryder was also in the District Court for a charge related to the assault, where he was found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice by influencing the victim, and was sentenced to a nine-month jail term for the matter. Police prosecutor Ross Gray said he had attempted “derail” proceedings, showing he had no remorse for the victim. Ryder had previously been convicted of assaulting his partner, the mother of his three children, on multiple occasions, although his lawyer Fintan Roberts said the two were still on good relations. Mr Roberts also said Ryder was seeking counselling help, and pursuing an education in construction. Mr Hockton acknowledged Ryder was seeking help, but said the offences were very serious and there was a need to deter others. “The offending went on, when the chair broke you didn’t just walk away, you continued,” he said. Ryder was given an immediate prison sentence of 18 months and 15 days, and will be eligible for parole. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.