DOMESTIC ABUSER ERIC DRINKALD JAILED FOR THREATS AND ASSAULT
A domestic abuse offender named Eric Drinkald has been involved in violent and threatening behavior towards his partner.He previously assaulted her with makeshift weapons including a curtain pole and a hoover attachment, causing her bruises and swelling.
Despite their breakup, Drinkald continued to stalk and harass her, repeatedly calling and messaging her in a threatening manner.
On New Year's Day, he went further by threatening to smash her windows, attack her home, and burn her car, referring to himself as the notorious killer Raoul Moat to instill fear.
Prosecutor Jane Foley disclosed that the woman had reported Drinkald's abusive actions during their relationship, but she retracted her statements at one point.
In November, during an argument, Drinkald had punched and slapped her and caused damage to her property.
The victim detailed her terror, stating, "This abuse has had a massive effect on my day-to-day life.
I live in fear of him getting back in contact with me or approaching me." She described feeling tortured by persistent calls and texts and expressed that she had to move house and change her identity to escape his stalking.
The woman also fears that Drinkald might come to her house or her parents' house while intoxicated, which would cause further distress and potentially harm to her and her family.
Drinkald, aged 41, who has a previous record of 69 convictions, pleaded guilty to stalking and battery.
He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison and received a five-year restraining order.
The court heard how Drinkald, who had lost his job and was drinking heavily, struggled to control his emotions and displayed jealousy.
The judge, Recorder Andrew Latimer, said: "On New Year's Day you threatened to smash her window, going to her house and referring to yourself as Raoul Moat, a name which is notorious locally and threatened to burn her car.
I'm sure you did that intending she would fear you." Defense lawyer David Callan acknowledged Drinkald's behavior, attributing it to alcohol abuse and emotional instability following job loss.
The court was told that Drinkald recognized his conduct was reprehensible and claimed she is a good mother who did not deserve her assault and resulting fear.
