CPS North East - Domestic Abuse Prosecutions - February 2023
Below are examples of DA cases successfully prosecuted by CPS North East in February.
The defendant, who is a heavily convicted violent offender, was given an extended sentence by pleading on the day of trial. Pleading guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour and ABH, the defendant was given four years’ imprisonment, which was extended by a further year to five. The victim, who was supportive and attended trial, was also given a 15-year Restraining Order for further protection.
The defendant pleaded guilty to theft of his sister’s drill and fraud by selling such drill under false representations. This was done before the need for a trial and the drill was recovered for the victim. The defendant, who has a bad record for dishonesty, was sentenced to eight months’ custody on both counts to run concurrently.
A combination of offences led to the defendant receiving a 24-month custodial sentence. Despite the defendant been on a suspended sentence order, he pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm (ABH) of the victim and an emergency worker, possession of cannabis and escaping lawful custody. A guilty plea was accepted before trial and an eight-year restraining order was also granted for the victim.
The complainant has a non-molestation order that prohibits the defendant from contacting her for anything other than the care of their child. The police advised the defendant not to attend the complainant’s address in company with his new partner due to outbursts. Following the advice, the defendant sent an abusive email to the complainant breaching the non-molestation order and calling her a narcissist. The defendant was convicted after trial and fined £1382, victim surcharge of £138 and costs of £620 – a total of £2140
The defendant was convicted at trial of an assault, after he punched his wife in the face and grabbed the clothing around her neck. This was an evidence-led prosecution, as his wife denied the assault occurred, but the judge found the eye witness’ account “utterly compelling”. The defendant was sentenced to a twelve month Community Order, 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, 150 hours unpaid work and prosecution costs of £620.
The defendant was convicted at trial of S39 assault after he pushed his partner and threatened her with a hammer. The defendant was sentenced to an 18-month conditional discharge and total costs of £126.
The defendant was convicted at trial of improper use of a public electronic network, after he left threatening voicemails on his ex-partner’s phone. The defendant was sentenced to a twelve month community order with 15 RAR days and £114 victim surcharge. He was also made subject to a twelve-month restraining order prohibiting any contact, including via social media, with his ex-partner.
The complainant was assaulted by her partner but did not wish to assist the prosecution. A witness summons was served and, while the complainant was very nervous and found it difficult, they were persuaded by the prosecutor to give evidence. The defendant was convicted of assault and later sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, including a building better relationship course and alcohol treatment requirement. A 24-month restraining order was also imposed.
The defendant poured petrol over the head of the complainant, leaving him soaked and in fear, he was charged with administering a noxious substance. The defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to twelve months’ custody with an additional three months for assaulting an emergency worker.