Key Aspects:
- A man received a prison term of 3 years and 10 months after admitting he intentionally suffocated a woman with a pillow.
- The assault took place on an unidentified cruise in April 2025.
- The victim survived the attack and is credited with assisting police in their investigation.
Cruise ships are meant to be a space for relaxation and escape. A violent incident during an unidentified April 2025 sailing, however, led to a criminal case that ended this week in a UK courtroom.
David Morris, 57, from Wolverhampton, has been sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to the intentional suffocation of a woman while the two were on a cruise.
The sentencing took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
The incident happened in April when Morris suffocated the victim with a pillow while onboard. Authorities did not name the ship or its itinerary but said the assault occurred during the voyage.
Police said Morris initially denied responsibility during a custodial interview. He changed his plea in court last month, admitting to the attack.
Investigators say the case moved forward because of the cooperation of the victim, who survived the attack, and the evidence collected while Morris was in custody.
“We worked tirelessly to gather evidence of Morris’ offending and I am glad he eventually admitted the offence in court,” South Staffordshire PC Liam Avery said.
He commended the bravery of the victim in coming forward about the attack and aiding in the investigation.
Staffordshire Police (Photo Credit: raymond orton)
Intentional suffocation became a specific criminal offense under UK domestic abuse law in 2022, making it easier for prosecutors to pursue cases. The charge does not require long-term physical harm for a conviction, only proof that the act was deliberate.
Cruise-related criminal cases occasionally reach UK courts when British passengers are involved. If a crime is reported mid-voyage, the crew notifies ship security and the appropriate national authorities based on where the ship is sailing.
Police agencies take control once a ship reaches a port and suspects can be detained onboard until law enforcement meets the ship.
Cruise Crime Not Isolated
The assault came just one month prior to a separate case making headlines in the UK when a 60-year-old man died during a cruise after an assault.
The incident occurred on May 3, 2025, roughly 2.5 hours into an MSC Cruises voyage and while the vessel, MSC Virtuosa, was still in British waters.
Police said the man died following an altercation onboard and arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter for suspicion of murder and a second 56-year-old man from London on suspicion of manslaughter.
Police Vehicles Next to Cruise Ship in New York (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)
Read Also: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Cruise Vacation
The case is still undergoing investigation and was an isolated incident during a short voyage to Brugge, Netherlands, from Southampton, UK.
Cruise ship crimes occur around the world, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US noting a rise in crime in 2025. From January to March 2025 alone, there were 48 crimes on cruise ships reported to the FBI – the highest rate since 2023.
Other arrests have been made throughout the year for theft, outstanding warrants, embezzlement, using fraudulent gift cards and credit cards, carrying firearms, and even jumping overboard.
Cruise ships have security teams, surveillance, and cabin phones for emergencies, and the same consequences for crimes on land will take place if committed onboard a ship.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
