STALKER BOYFRIEND HIT WOMAN ON KNEES WITH HAMMER
Christopher Goodman assaulted his girlfriend by striking her knees with a hammer and then subjected her to a protracted stalking campaign once she ended their relationship.During court testimony, Goodman was described as having cried and apologised following his violent attack.
The couple’s relationship was characterised by toxicity over several years, but after she made the decision to break up, Goodman refused to accept her departure.
His invasive behaviors included sending numerous messages, appearing at her home, kicking her door, tailing her in a van, and making threats of stabbing.
His harassment reached a peak when he found her at a Travelodge, where he sent a menacing message saying, "I can do this for days.
Can you keep on hiding is the question." At 28, Goodman was sentenced to three years in prison at Exeter Crown Court.
The judge cited his obsessive personality as a key factor behind his actions, which caused significant fear to the victim.
Their relationship began when Goodman was in his early 20s and the victim was around 17 or 18.
She reported that Goodman experienced intense mood swings and exhibited bizarre behaviors, including violence shortly after they started dating.
The conflict escalated when she told Goodman she needed space and was unsure about their future together.
In response, he became angry and retrieved a hammer from behind a wardrobe, then assaulted her by hitting her knees three or four times.
Prosecutor Nigel Wraith detailed that Goodman’s actions left bruising, after which he broke down crying, apologised, and tried to comfort her.
Photos of her injuries were submitted as evidence.
After their breakup in February 2023, Goodman’s obsession continued through persistent stalking, which involved pressing her flat’s buzzer and claiming he was unafraid of police or jail.
The situation worsened over two days in May when he chased her at Exe Bridge, mocked her, and then sped off, causing her to seek refuge in a hotel.
He left threatening messages and made numerous calls she did not answer.
Using her email details, Goodman tracked her location and waited in his van as she left the hotel.
She feared he intended to harm her, fled, and contacted police.
Goodman admitted to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, stalking, and possessing air weapons, which were recovered upon his arrest.
The woman described her ordeal as feeling trapped and unsafe, believing her life was at risk of serious harm or death due to Goodman’s actions.
Mr Lee Bremridge acknowledged his client’s remorse and explained that Goodman struggles with emotional control.
The threats aimed at a man she was with were not directed at her.
Judge Stephen Climie pointed out that Goodman’s obsessive personality was the root cause of his criminal behavior, emphasizing the fear and trauma inflicted.
He imposed an eight-year restraining order and highlighted the severity of the offences.
