2019: THUG BARRY MARSH JAILED FOR ATTACKING PARTNER WITH FAKE GUN
A man from Dudley, driven by jealousy, subjected his terrified girlfriend to a series of assaults, using her as a 'punching bag' in a pattern of violent and aggressive behavior.He was sentenced to 26 months in prison.
Barry Marsh, aged 42 and a father of five, resented his partner's contact with family and friends and frequently accused her of being unfaithful, which led to physical violence at their Kingswinford residence.
In one instance, he struck her forcefully on the nose, causing significant bleeding, and derogatorily told her to cover up, calling her a disgrace.
A few days later, he attacked her again, hitting her on the head and grabbing her by the throat with both hands, leaving her terrified and convinced she was going to die.
Judge Barry Berlin described her as being 'frozen in fear' during the incidents and noted that Marsh’s behavior was characterized by jealousy, violence, and abuse, which had severely impacted her well-being.
The judge stated she was assaulted two or three times weekly, leading to diminished self-esteem.
On one occasion, Marsh produced an imitation firearm, pressing it against her neck and into her mouth.
His actions included using her as a punching bag and instilling ongoing fear.
Consequently, he was issued a ten-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with her or entry to her home.
During court proceedings, Marsh pleaded guilty to controlling behavior.
His lawyer, Simon Hanns, expressed remorse and explained that it was the first time Marsh had been violent toward a woman, despite having 24 prior convictions for crimes such as grievous bodily harm, wounding, assault, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Hanns suggested that the toxic relationship, compounded by heavy drinking, contributed to the violence.
He added that Marsh now recognized that the relationship was over and had assured that he would not attempt to contact her again.
Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard recounted that after another assault, Marsh told his partner, 'Look what you have made me do.
I will kill you.' She was unaware of the imitation firearm Marsh produced at the time and felt uncertain about his intentions.
The abuse escalated when Marsh punched her in a pub, causing bruising, and then kicked her out of his van.
When she ended the relationship, he threatened her by saying, 'I will kill you.
I will knock your teeth out.
I will stamp on your neck.' Following his arrest, Marsh claimed it was his partner who had been aggressive and described her as 'untrustworthy.'
