DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM BITTEN WHILE PREGNANT BEGS JUDGE NOT TO JAIL PARTNER
A woman who experienced domestic abuse, including being bitten by her pregnant partner during a series of violent incidents, appealed to a judge not to imprison him.Barrie Fowler inflicted severe violence on her while intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine and was facing potential imprisonment.
However, the victim told Newcastle Crown Court that he has changed since stopping substance use.
Despite a judge highlighting the correlation between some of Fowler’s admitted crimes and domestic homicides, she expressed her wish for him not to lose his freedom.
Initially, she stated their relationship was fine at first, but it became marked by minor quarrels and verbal abuse.
Subsequently, the violence intensified, the court was told.
In May 2023, during a holiday in Tunisia when she was pregnant, they drank alcohol.
She believed Fowler was bothering other tourists and suggested returning to their room.
He locked her in the bathroom, turned out the light, confiscated her phone, and threatened to break it.
Prosecutor Kate Barnes explained that when she tried to reclaim the phone, Fowler bit her thumb hard enough to cause a wound exposing yellow tissue, causing her pain.
In July 2023, while at her residence, Fowler grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against a wall for several seconds, making it difficult for her to breathe.
In a later incident, possibly in September or October, they argued again, during which she tripped and fell.
Fowler leaned over her with a clenched fist, as if to strike her, then punched at her face but hit her hands instead.
He also punched a door, breaking it.
In August of the previous year, he was abusive again, expressing regret and even wishing he had killed her.
He damaged a staircase by punching it, which resulted in a piece injuring her leg.
She later withdrew her support for prosecution but initially gave a victim impact statement, mentioning a loss of confidence, self-esteem, and changed appearance due to his actions.
In court, she expressed that she believed Fowler did not intend harm and was confident he would not re-offend, noting his transformation over the past year.
Judge Sarah Mallett questioned her about the risks of such offenses leading to more severe crimes, including domestic murders.
She responded that she understood the risks but believed he would change because he had a daughter to care for.
The judge inquired if she hoped Fowler would be imprisoned.
She pleaded with the court not to imprison him, citing concerns related to their children.
Fowler, aged 40, from Durham, admitted to assault, strangulation, two counts of common assault, and two charges of criminal damage.
Judge Mallett described him as remorseful, capable of being a good parent, and acknowledging his behaviour was "appalling." She sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years, with 100 hours of unpaid work and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
