RUNCORN MAN JAILED FOR BRANDING GIRLFRIEND WITH HOT IRON
A man has received a two-year prison sentence after branding his girlfriend with a heated iron, during a jealous outburst.Neil Anthony Falconer attacked Sarah Barnes, his partner of two years, inside their bedroom at Trenance Close, Brookvale, Runcorn, in a fit of rage.
Warrington Crown Court was told on Friday that Ms Barnes experienced severe pain, describing it as 'indescribable and excruciating,' while she was attempting to avoid the assault on June 22.
Prosecutor David Jones explained that the couple had enjoyed a quiet dinner earlier that evening before returning home.
The altercation started when Ms Barnes mentioned her ex-partner, the father of her child, expressing dissatisfaction over her calling Falconer 'dad.' According to Mr Jones, Falconer sat upright in bed and questioned her about her activities that day.
She responded by getting out of bed and curling into a ball, as he continued shouting accusations of infidelity.
The prosecution stated Falconer then demanded, 'Tell me the truth – are you cheating on me?' before plugging in the iron and pressing it into her back skin.
Ms Barnes recounted in her statement that she felt like time slowed down, hearing the hiss of steam from the iron and enduring pain she found impossible to describe.
It was noted that Falconer later applied cream to the burn once he realized what he had done.
Defense lawyer Bryan Jones told the court that Falconer, who admitted to causing actual bodily harm, accepted his prison sentence but argued that punishment alone wouldn't explain his motives.
Judge Stephen Hughes described the act as 'totally barbaric,' emphasizing that such issues should be addressed after incarceration.
He stated, 'You were irrationally overcome with jealousy.
It is almost beyond belief that you plugged in the iron and pressed it onto her flesh while she begged you.' The judge concluded that only a custodial sentence was appropriate in this case.
