PONTEFRACT WOMAN THROTTLED, BIT AND ATTACKED GIRLFRIEND DURING VIOLENT CAMPAIGN
A woman from Pontefract, who physically assaulted her girlfriend during an argument, has been spared prison time.Catherine Lower, aged 35, exhibited violent conduct on two separate occasions within the last year of her relationship, as presented in Leeds Crown Court on Monday.
The incidents in question took place in August and October 2023, resulting in her causing actual bodily harm to her partner.
The judge, Recorder Hill-Baker, sentenced her to two years in prison, suspended for a similar period.
He remarked: "On the latter occasion, you held your former partner's throat, spat at her, and admitted to deliberately strangling her.
These are grave offences.
Reviewing your criminal history, you have faced a previous conviction related to assaulting an emergency worker, which led to a community order in January 2021.
It appears the offences during this period were linked to domestic violence, which developed towards the end of the relationship that had initially been stable." The court acknowledged Lower’s mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
It explained that in August 2023, her anger caused her to hit her partner, shove her into a cupboard, pull her hair, and continue her assault with punches and kicks, even biting her finger.
In October, she assaulted her again with punches, pushed her against a kitchen surface, and strangled her.
Represented by barrister Paul Addison, Lower's defense noted that she had expressed a sincere apology to the victim, recognizing her remorse and acknowledging her responsibility.
The court was informed that her mental health struggles, which contributed to her aggressive acts, were significant, with her mother having been sectioned for similar issues and detained for 28 days.
Addison outlined that Lower was diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, which makes her impulsive and prone to anger.
She internalizes resentment, which can erupt violently, impairing her capacity to control her actions or understand their consequences.
At the time, she was also battling fibromyalgia.
Her medication has since been increased, and she feels much improved.
She is currently living with her mother, whom she cares for.
The lawyer emphasized that Lower has made notable progress through treatment, indicating a positive change in her life.
During her suspended sentence, she was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitative activities as part of her conditions.
