MAN JAILED AFTER EX-PARTNER CLIMBED OUT OF WINDOW TO ESCAPE HIM
A man received a prison sentence following an incident during which his former partner escaped out of a first-floor window to escape his violence.Gary Richards, residing on Tiptoe Close in Northampton, had ended his relationship with a 45-year-old woman, and she had permitted him to stay temporarily at her home in Barnstaple while she looked for new accommodation.
The situation intensified when she realized her prescribed medication was missing, prompting a confrontation.
Richards reacted with physical an verbal assaults, which included punching her ribs, menacing her with a knife, and attempting to strangle her.
When she tried to exit through the front door, he restrained her, leading her to climb out of a kitchen window onto a flat roof.
A neighbour witnessing the scene stepped in to rescue her.
Richards claimed that she had initiated violence against him and that he was acting in self-defence.
He stated she climbed out the window to get some fresh air.
During a four-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, Richards sought to attack her character by alleging she was addicted to drugs and engaged in prostitution to support her habits.
He also claimed she had facial bruising resulting from an earlier assault the night before.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before swiftly finding him guilty, rejecting his account.
The 45-year-old from Northampton was convicted of causing actual bodily harm despite denying the charges.
He was sentenced to 17 months in prison and received a five-year restraining order that prohibits him from contacting her or visiting her residence.
The judge highlighted that Richards lost his composure during the attack, noting that the injuries even if not individually severe reflected a violent assault within a domestic environment where he exerted control over a vulnerable woman.
He also condemned Richards for damaging her reputation throughout the court proceedings.
Prosecutor Miss Althea Brooks revealed the assault took place on October 16 of the previous year, shortly after the breakup of their tumultuous seven-month relationship.
The victim sustained extensive bruising, facial and neck injuries, and appeared visibly terrified when neighbours and police arrived.
Richards claimed he was attempting to aid her in overcoming drug and prostitution issues, alleging she had relapsed beforehand.
He admitted to placing some of her prescribed Valium in her drawer to help prevent an overdose but claimed she became aggressive and attacked him after accusing him of theft.
His defence attorney, Mr.
Ryan Murray, pointed out Richards' limited history of violent offenses and mentioned his health issues, including epilepsy, which could affect his conduct.
