BARNSLEY MAN WITH VIOLENT PAST JAILED FOR ASSAULTING PARTNER
A man with a known history of child abduction, Darrell Vaughan, was caught on surveillance assaulting his new girlfriend by grabbing her around the neck, pushing her against a wall, and then throwing her to the ground.Vaughan had moved into his partner's home almost immediately after their relationship commenced, leading her family to observe her wearing gloves and scarves to cover bruises on her body.
Prosecutor Beverley Wright revealed that the woman’s mother asked about her injuries, but she claimed she had only fallen.
Residing on Carlton Road in Barnsley, Vaughan was described by a neighbor as a problematic individual who often threatened and bullied others; authorities had been called multiple times to deal with his behavior.
On June 13, Vaughan was seen outside their residence, shouting and swearing as he dragged her by the throat with both hands, pressed her against the wall, and threw her to the ground.
He also took her phone and broke it against the wall, threatening to kill her.
A few days afterward, the court was told that Vaughan again grabbed her by the throat and threatened her life, telling her to 'get inside and do as you're told.' She moved to her mother’s house for safety, but Vaughan continued sending her threatening messages and intimidating her family, despite the backing of the prosecution’s case.
Vaughan's criminal record includes 29 convictions for 59 offenses, such as theft, burglary, child abduction, and harassment, involving a different victim from these latest charges.
During the court hearing, Vaughan pleaded guilty to two counts of strangulation and one of issuing threats.
His defense highlighted issues including a history of family violence, learning difficulties, ADHD, and being on the autistic spectrum, which they argued played a role in his emotional difficulties.
Judge Slater sentenced Vaughan to two years in prison, underscoring the gravity of the assault on a vulnerable partner, with Vaughan mandated to serve half in custody before being eligible for release on license.
