DANNY GARFORTH RAMSGATE DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE: VICTIM'S COURAGE INSPIRES OTHERS

A mother of two from Ramsgate, who has endured relentless nightmares and emotional trauma caused by her abusive ex-boyfriend, has publicly spoken out to emphasize that victims of domestic violence should never remain silent. Her courageous testimony came in the wake of a court sentencing for her former partner, Danny Garforth, who was found guilty of assault and breaching court orders.

Garforth, aged 39 and also residing in Ramsgate, was sentenced to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work as part of his punishment. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of cowardly and aggressive behavior that left the victim in a state of constant fear. It was only during his four-month detention while awaiting trial that she felt able to reclaim her sense of self, resuming her personal style and wearing makeup once again.

Following Garforth’s appearance in Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday, the victim, Ms. Eleasha Allen, publicly encouraged others who have suffered similar abuse to come forward and seek justice. Garforth had been held in custody for four months prior to sentencing, which was prompted by an incident of violence that took place on January 5 of this year. The court heard that he had been drinking at a local pub the night before and had called Ms. Allen to pick him up.

Prosecutor Neil Moore detailed how, upon her arrival, Garforth became verbally abusive during the drive back to her Ramsgate home. The following morning, he refused to allow her to take her children to school, insisting on driving them himself despite her concerns that he was still intoxicated. His behavior escalated as he continued to follow her around her house, berating her and displaying aggressive conduct.

At one point, Garforth threw a glass into her bathroom, smashing it and causing damage. When she tried to prevent him from entering her home again, he forced his way inside and pushed past her to go upstairs. As he descended the stairs, he pushed Ms. Allen with such force that she scratched her arm on a nearby windowsill, which was also damaged during the altercation.

Garforth, who has a documented history of assault, was arrested two days later at his mother’s address after contacting Ms. Allen and visiting her home. His actions also violated a non-molestation order and a restraining order previously issued by the courts. Although the court cleared him of charges related to intentional strangulation and property damage, he was convicted of assault by beating.

During the sentencing, the impact of Garforth’s abuse on Ms. Allen was highlighted. Prosecutor Neil Moore explained that she has been plagued by nightmares and lives in constant fear of her attacker. She has found it difficult to sleep and has suffered emotional distress, including nightmares involving Garforth. The physical damage to her property has also added to her distress.

However, since Garforth’s incarceration, Ms. Allen reported feeling a renewed sense of freedom and relief. She expressed that she can now dress as she wishes and wear makeup without fear, describing her improved mental state as feeling like “a weight has been lifted from her.”

Judge Simon Taylor KC imposed an eight-year restraining order, forbidding Garforth from contacting Ms. Allen. The judge criticized Garforth’s poor compliance with previous court orders and his history of not respecting legal boundaries. While he acknowledged that Garforth’s crimes did not warrant immediate imprisonment, he emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and offered him a chance to work with probation services to address his behavior.

Garforth was subsequently released from custody but was given a two-year community order. This included the requirement to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and attend 27 sessions of rehabilitation activities. The judge warned that any breach of these conditions would result in Garforth being brought back to court and losing the opportunity for reform.

Following the sentencing, Ms. Allen spoke to KentOnline, urging other victims of domestic violence to find the courage to speak out. “Victims of crimes like this should never be silenced,” she said. “I hope I have shown that men and women who go through experiences like mine can speak up and seek justice.”