2006: EX-LOVER JAILED FOR `TERRIFYING ATTACK'
A man from Redditch has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after breaking into his ex-girlfriend's residence and assaulting her new partner.Mark Hurlbutt climbed a drainpipe to access Amy Townsend’s house in the town, entered through a window, and then entered her bedroom.
According to Worcester Crown Court, he violently attacked Alan Penny after waking the couple.
While incarcerated, Hurlbutt sent Miss Townsend an apology letter, expressing remorse and indicating he would serve a three-year sentence for his offenses.
However, Judge Alistair McCreath clarified that because the assault on Mr.
Penny was classified as common assault, the maximum penalty was only six months.
He then added an additional 14 months for burglary and for violating a suspended sentence related to a previous assault.
Hurlbutt, aged 22 and residing on Cardy Close, Batchley, pleaded guilty to all three charges.
The prosecution, represented by Peter Parsons, noted that Hurlbutt and Miss Townsend had ended their year-long relationship, which had resulted in a five-month-old child.
The break-in occurred around 2 a.m.
on July 22, during which Hurlbutt also stole a watch from the property.
Mr.
Parsons stated that the incident caused Miss Townsend significant distress, leading her to fear future problems.
Defense lawyer Lee Masters explained that the jail letter was meant to assure her of his safety and that Hurlbutt had no intention of further harassment.
Hurlbutt’s actions were driven by a desire to see his child; he did not realize Mr.
Penny was present and lost control when he encountered him.
The judge acknowledged the emotional strain Hurlbutt was experiencing but emphasized that his attack on the house guest was terrifying and inappropriate.
