2005: BULLY JAILED FOR ATTACK ON LOVER
A man convicted of domestic abuse, who caused his girlfriend to fear for her life to the extent that she saw suicide as her only escape, has been sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment at Worcester Crown Court.Lavelle, 23, from Park Street, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful wounding.
Judge Michael Mott characterized the incidents as particularly severe, set against a backdrop of violence.
The relationship had lasted a year but was marked by persistent violence, with Mr.
Iles stating that Lavelle had assaulted Miss Hart multiple times during episodes of intense anger.
The initial injury involved a curtain pole, with Lavelle becoming enraged out of jealousy after discovering a letter concerning Miss Hart's former husband.
She walked with a hobble for nearly three weeks before medical imaging confirmed a broken bone.
Later, after hitting her with a padlock, Miss Hart shouted she was going to die.
Lavelle then arranged an ambulance but later argued that her injury happened by accident.
When Lavelle left the house, she reached out to police, revealing her fear.
She told officers she had previously considered ending her life while with him, feeling trapped and afraid, and questioned why she stayed so long.
Lavelle, who has a history of convictions from 1996 onward, was described by his defense lawyer, Tim Sapwell, as being influenced by heroin.
When sober, he was regarded as straightforward and decent, with a desire to make future positive changes.
