NORTHUMBERLAND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ASSAULT ON PARTNER
A construction manager named Darren Horner has been involved in a violent assault against his partner, resulting in him being spared immediate jail time.The victim, who was in a relationship with Horner for approximately seven years, described a distressing incident that occurred on February 3, 2023.
During the night, Horner, who was intoxicated, entered the room where the woman and their young daughters were asleep and verbally abused her.
He then escalated the situation by grabbing her around the neck with both hands, forcing her to fall to the floor between the bed and wardrobe.
According to the prosecutor, Graham O'Sullivan, "She was struggling to breathe and she began to panic, she was extremely frightened and tried to free herself." The victim managed to scratch Horner's neck, drawing blood, and pushed him off before fleeing the house and raising the alarm.
She sustained reddening and bruising as a result of the assault.
The woman had previously obtained a non-molestation order which Horner breached three times through communication.
She stated in a victim impact statement, "I've suffered harassment from Horner for years now.
This has had a significant impact on my life." She expressed her fear of him and believed that only a strong court sentence might prevent further harm.
Horner, aged 53 and residing in Forest Way, Seghill, Northumberland, has six previous convictions, including stalking and dangerous driving.
He pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and three breaches of the non-molestation order.
A charge of strangulation was not pursued.
The court sentenced him to two years in prison suspended for two years, with 100 hours of unpaid work and a five-year restraining order.
Defense lawyer Vic Laffey mentioned Horner is remorseful and regrets his actions, adding that he is a self-employed construction manager.
The court acknowledged there has been no contact for two years between Horner and the victim.
