2007: MAN WHO ATTACKED PARTNER JAILED
A man with a history of violence who destroyed his partner’s property during an argument in front of her young children has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.Vincent Walmsley became enraged during a dispute with Heidi Moule regarding her former husband.
During the incident on June 13 last year at a residence in Stourport, he forcibly removed wardrobe doors, damaged a hall table, and tore some of Miss Moule’s clothing, as detailed in court proceedings.
The attack took place amid a birthday celebration for the victim’s 10-year-old daughter.
Walmsley, aged 41 and a car dismantler by profession, has a violent criminal record dating back to 1979, and he also assaulted Miss Moule during a weekend at the seaside and in her bedroom at home, according to prosecutor Tim Sapwell.
In sentencing, Judge David Matthews stated that Walmsley, of Lisle Avenue, Kidderminster, represents a serious danger to the public, and extended his license to serve two additional years.
The judge also combined 68 days of an existing custodial sentence into the current term.
The parole board will ultimately determine whether Walmsley is released after serving half of his sentence.
The judge emphasized the impact on children, remarking, “It is terrifying for young children to witness an adult demolishing furniture and causing destruction.” Walmsley pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage, assault causing actual bodily harm, and attempting to obstruct justice.
His defence lawyer, Saleem Mahmood, explained that Walmsley’s aggressive behaviour stemmed from a troubled upbringing, including time spent in care from age 12, but also noted that he had adopted Buddhism while in custody and had developed a newfound appreciation for family life.
