YORK COURT SENTENCES SERIAL DOMESTIC ABUSER ASHLEY WATSON TO 10 MONTHS
Serial domestic abuser Ashley Paul Watson, 30, was sentenced in York Crown Court for crimes committed against his ex-partner, who was a recent victim at the time of sentencing.Prosecutor Brooke Morrison detailed that his abusive actions included threatening to assault a pregnant woman to end her pregnancy and rid himself of her.
In his latest offenses, Watson broke into his ex-partner's home, searched her residence, inundated her with 95 phone calls in less than two days, threatened to destroy her workplace, and physically Bit her on the breast.
The ex-partner expressed concerns about what Watson might do upon his release from prison.
Judge Sean Morris described Watson as a woman beater, emphasizing that such offenders tend to relapse into criminal behavior, including harassment and assault, and pointed out that Watson had previously appeared in court three times for similar offenses.
Watson's current partner, who was present in the court gallery, was informed by the judge that any woman who associates with him should be aware she risks being assaulted and warned, “Any woman who goes near you should be aware, sooner or later they are going to be clobbered.” Watson pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-partner between February 1 and March 2 of the current year and assaulting her on March 10.
He was sentenced to 10 months in prison and given a seven-year restraining order banning contact with the victim, her son, and proximity to her home and workplace.
His barrister noted that Watson has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and has built a landscape gardening business.
It was also noted that Watson had been on a tag that limited his alcohol intake but had consumed alcohol during the Christmas period, which led to abusive behavior and the end of the relationship.
Watson had served approximately 11 months on remand and is likely to be released soon.
