DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER CARL SMITH SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT
A domestic violence victim whose terrified screams were recorded by her distressed daughter said she fears her abuser, Carl Smith, will end up killing her.Smith, who has 32 previous convictions, subjected his then-partner to a series of assaults and harassment over four years.
In December 2020, during an argument at the dining table, Smith reacted violently when she questioned him about a metal object found in the washing, pulling her off a chair and body-slamming her into a kitchen unit.
He hit her head off a cupboard and kicked her, causing her to lose consciousness, while her child recorded the incident.
She was hospitalized with a fractured sternum and a hematoma around her heart after the attack.
Despite the violence, she initially concealed the severity of her injuries out of fear.
Smith also demanded money, grabbed her by the throat until she lost consciousness, and caused cuts with shards of broken ceramic.
He assaulted her again in December, slamming her into a shower, and harassed her after she ended the relationship in 2021.
Prosecutor Claire Anderson stated that Smith kept turning up at her home, throwing things, and verbally abusing her, even threatening her safety.
CCTV captured Smith outside her home, and he attempted to force entry multiple times, including putting his foot in her door.
Her colleagues raised concerns about her welfare as she showed injuries and was often sick, prompting her employer to notify police.
The woman shared in her victim impact statement that her life has improved since his remand but she still suffers nightmares and trust issues, fearing he will kill her.
Smith pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of common assault, and harassment.
He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a ten-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her or visiting nearby areas.
