PETER O'DONNELL OF PENZANCE SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT ON WIFE IN COURTHOUSE

A woman was left unconscious and bleeding after her husband, Peter O'Donnell, 81, of Green Street in Penzance, carried out a prolonged assault in their home. The attack occurred in their hallway, and O'Donnell then left the premises. During court proceedings, it was revealed that the incident took place on July 6, when his wife approached him about returning their car due to financial difficulties, which angered him. He responded by grabbing an object and attacking her. The victim attempted to escape, feeling something strike her head, which she initially thought was a guitar, leaving her stunned. She tried to leave again but was further assaulted, resulting in her being knocked unconscious and bleeding heavily. She managed to crawl downstairs to call 999, noticing her husband had already left in their car. She was transported to hospital with a two-centimeter head laceration that required glue. In her victim impact statement, she stated, "I don't love him anymore, I don't like him," reflecting the emotional impact of his behavior. O'Donnell admitted to hitting his wife with a shoehorn but claimed he did not intend for it to happen and left before contacting police. The court was told he was “utterly shocked” by his actions, which left him tearful. He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for his “sustained assault” that rendered the victim unconscious and caused heavy bleeding.