HOLIDAYMAKER DRAGGED WOMAN OVER ROAD BY THE ARMS
During a camping trip in Powys, a young woman was subjected to a severe assault by her boyfriend, who lost his temper and forcibly dragged her along a road.The incident resulted in her sustaining injuries described as 'appalling,' according to court reports.
Edward Taylor, aged 29, faced charges but avoided immediate imprisonment, with a 12-month sentence that was suspended for two years, after admitting guilt to the charge of assault resulting in actual bodily harm (ABH) during his trial that commenced last month.
Judge Paul Thomas KC remarked that the extent of the injuries was so serious that Taylor was nearly charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Despite the conviction, Taylor, who works as a helpdesk technician for a solicitor’s firm in the IT department, was allowed to retain his employment.
"You caused her horrible injuries.
They were very unpleasant injuries indeed and you must have been aware the pain she was in and how much distress you caused.
She had to seek strangers help," the judge said at Swansea Crown Court.
"You need to get your drinking sorted otherwise your life and others around you will be an unpleasant one in coming years." The court heard that the couple had a good night visiting pubs in the Ystradgynlais area in August last year.
While walking back to the campsite where they were staying, the victim sat on a curb and refused to move unless her boyfriend calmed down after he became angry.
Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court that Taylor grabbed his girlfriend by the legs and pulled her onto the road, and she struck her head, before dragging her by the arms.
"She was in immense pain," Mr Jones said.
"She was screaming and crying." The victim, who was "extremely distressed", sought refuge at a nearby house and was cared for that night by the campsite owners, Mr and Mrs Watts.
The following day, Taylor became abusive and "ultimately the door was shut on him" when the campsite owners told him that the police had been called.
The court was told that the couple separated for a number of weeks, but the victim agreed to meet the following month where they drank alcohol.
Taylor again lost his temper and broke a television screen.
Defence barrister David Singh said Taylor's references from family, friends and employers Tozer solicitors in Devon, "paints a different side to what he exhibited last year".
He said: "He bitterly regrets his actions.
He recognises alcohol played a part but it’s no excuse.
"Mr Taylor's family are very supportive, and they want to work with him and probation to ensure there is no repetition of this." Judge Paul Thomas KC decided to suspend Taylor's prison sentence because there was sufficient evidence that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
Taylor, of Essington Close, Exmouth, Devon, was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring tag, and complete 31 days of a building better relationships programme as well as 15 rehabilitation requirement days.
He must also keep to a three-year restraining order not to contact or approach his former girlfriend.
"Your protestation and remorse would have been more convincing had it been before the day of the trial," the judge added.
