VIOLENT DOMESTIC ABUSER WHO HELD GIRLFRIEND BY THROAT AND HEADBUTTED HER SPARED PRISON AFTER SHE URGES JUDGE NOT TO JAIL HIM
Warning: This article contains details that may be upsetting to some readers.A man physically assaulted his partner by grabbing her around the neck, lifting her off the ground, and headbutting her.
In a violent outburst in May of the previous year, he accused her of locking him out of their home and then forcefully pushed her through an open rear window, causing her to fall and injure her nose, according to court testimony.
Despite his display of rage, he was the one who contacted police, claiming he had been attacked and falsely attributing his partner's nosebleed to stress.
Approximately six weeks later, as she packed her belongings to leave, he again assaulted her this time grabbing her by the throat against a wall so her feet were lifted off the ground, and then headbutting her.
During the sentencing hearing on August 6, Ms Twyman-Nix addressed the court, pleading for her ex-boyfriend to receive support instead of prison.
In her victim impact statement read aloud by Judge Simon Taylor KC, she expressed hope for his future and believed that incarceration might worsen his health rather than help him.
She emphasized her ongoing concern despite the abuse, noting her wish for his well-being going forward.
Ms Twyman-Nix was not present at Canterbury Crown Court when details about the relationship's deterioration were discussed.
The court heard that Westcott, her former partner, was a heavy drinker who behaved immaturely before violent incidents on May 12 and June 22.
Prosecutor Shanice Mahmud explained that it was the June incident which led to Westcott’s arrest.
That night, after a strained pub outing, he went home, but upon her return later, he began shouting and insulting her, even placing his forearm on her neck, warning: "This is what I could do if I wanted to." He then became emotional, crying and reassuring her that everything would be fine and professing his love.
However, throughout the day, he accused her of attacking him and demanded she leave his home, although he later expressed a desire for her to stay and falsely accused her of taking his phone.
The court heard about the assault that occurred while she was packing her belongings in the bedroom.
Westcott, in a fit of rage, told her to turn off the light, then physically pushed her against the wall and choked her, lifting her feet off the floor.
He then headbutted her, resulting in a chipped tooth.
Ms Twyman-Nix managed to escape to a nearby pub, and police responded.
When officers arrived to arrest him, Westcott was difficult and combative, then gave a mostly ‘no comment’ interview.
Regarding the earlier incidents, it was stated that Westcott, who was planning a barbecue with her, was drinking heavily despite telling her he wouldn't.
When she found him drunk, he threatened to kill himself if she left and called her “horrible.” Later, in Whitstable, after she took a call from him where he sounded sober, she returned to his home, which she couldn't access with her key.
She saw him coming down the stairs, then he stormed off into the kitchen, slammed the door, and accused her of locking him out.
He then kicked her bike and grabbed her by the throat, demanding she climb through the kitchen window to let him in.
When he kicked down the fence in rage and pushed her through the window, she fell and injured her nose again.
He continued to demand entry while police arrived, and he falsely claimed she had kicked his door in.
Questioned by officers, Westcott maintained that her nosebleeds were stress-related, attempting to conceal the abuse.
Initially denying the allegations and facing trial, Westcott, of Whitstable Road, pleaded guilty earlier to two counts of battery, one of intentional strangulation, and one of actual bodily harm.
A second charge of intentional strangulation from June was left unresolved.
The court was told Westcott had no prior convictions but had taken steps to address his alcohol dependency through the Forward Trust charity, which produced an impressive report.
Support from colleagues and family was also presented.
Judge Taylor, considering these factors, was persuaded to suspend an 18-month prison sentence for two years, citing a reasonable chance of rehabilitation and his efforts to tackle alcoholism.
Nevertheless, the judge stressed the gravity of Westcott’s “disgraceful” crimes, noting that domestic abuse often recurs and questioning whether abusers truly wish to change.
In delivering his sentence, the judge highlighted that abuse is a serious offense, undermining the trust within families and relationships, and identified domestic violence as a crime with severe consequences.
The suspended sentence included 175 hours of unpaid work, up to 30 sessions of rehabilitative activities, and a requirement to pay Ms Twyman-Nix £2,690 for her chipped tooth within eight months.
Additionally, he received a five-year restraining order to protect her.
