HALIFAX MAN SELF-HARMS AND SCRAWLS BLOOD MESSAGE IN EX-PARTNER'S FLAT
A drugged-up Halifax man who cut off part of his own right ear and then used the bloodied piece of flesh to scrawl a message in the hallway outside his former partner’s flat has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.When his ex returned home, she found the severed piece of ear on her dressing table, though Hemingway denied leaving it in her bedroom.
Prosecutor Nicola Hoskins described the incident as leaving the woman feeling scared, numb, and petrified.
Later, police arrested Hemingway from his home, where they observed his right ear was covered in blood with the top part cut off.
He told officers, "All I’ve done is write that blood on the wall.” Blood-stained scissors and clothing were also recovered.
Hemingway, of Seed Hill Terrace, Mixenden, admitted to drinking and taking cocaine, stating it caused him to 'lose his head.' The court was told that Hemingway had previously seen his former partner in Halifax and was contemplating suicide at the time.
After the self-inflicted injury, he went to her flat and used the ear to write on her hallway wall.
He claimed he couldn't explain how the ear ended up in her bedroom.
The court heard that Hemingway had previously threatened his ex both verbally and physically, including slapping her and snatching her mobile phone.
On one occasion, police found a large knife used to scrawl "you are dead tick tock" on her wall.
Hemingway was arrested after that incident but was released on bail with conditions not to contact or visit her, only to be remanded into custody later following the ear injury.
He pleaded guilty to stalking, assault, criminal damage, robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon.
On Wednesday, Judge Jonathan Gibson sentenced him to 16 months in prison and imposed a five-year restraining order banning contact with his victim.
His barrister, Taryn Turner, said Hemingway found the breakup difficult and might have unresolved mental health issues, expressing that her client was remorseful and ashamed, and did not intend to terrify or interfere with the victim’s life.
