THUG JAILED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Christopher Alford, residing at Lely Court in Abingdon, received a court sentence from Oxford Crown Court on February 23.The 41-year-old was scheduled for a trial but ultimately admitted guilt to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and two instances of criminal damage in Abingdon on August 22 and 23 of the previous year.
The criminal damage charges involved harm to a front door and Alford spitting inside a police vehicle.
Prior to the commencement of the case, defense lawyer Kelly Purcell-Chandler commented that Alford was in a better position than six months earlier.
She stated he had made efforts to improve his life, found faith, and was baptized while in prison.
She noted it was his first time in custody and he had been sober for an extended period.
The court was informed that Alford remained in custody following the incident.
Prosecutor Matt Knight described that Alford and the victim had a four-year relationship, having known each other for two decades.
He explained that both parties had issues with alcohol consumption.
The incident stemmed from an argument when Alford accused the woman of infidelity, leading him to kick her door and cause damage.
Mr Knight detailed that the altercation became heated, with Alford pushing the woman in the face, causing her to fall.
She managed to escape the situation despite fears.
The woman then called the police, during which Alford kicked her and pulled her by her hair across the floor.
When detained, Alford spat twice at the Perspex barrier inside the police van.
A victim impact statement read aloud by Mr Knight mentioned bruising on her cheek, concerns about a possible fracture, partial hair loss, flashbacks impairing her sleep, and a sense of insecurity at home.
During mitigation, Ms Purcell-Chandler admitted Alford was heavily intoxicated that night and acknowledged his actions, including pushing the victim and causing her to fall.
She described their relationship as volatile and toxic, emphasizing the significant impact of his time in custody and his desire to move forward.
Judge Mr Recorder David Rhodes KC addressed Alford, calling his behavior vile and urging him to learn from the experience.
He sentenced Alford to 46 weeks in prison and ordered a three-year retraining program.
