DEVON MAN JAILED FOR KETTLE ATTACK ON PARTNER
A 32-year-old man from Dartmouth named Vinny Rycroft was involved in a violent incident at the Mercure Hotel on Esplanade Road in Paignton, Devon.The confrontation began the morning after Rycroft accused his partner of disturbing his sleep during an argument.
In a moment of rage, Rycroft struck his partner on the head with a kettle, leaving her bloodied and disoriented on the floor.
The woman, who had previously loved Rycroft but said her feelings were affected by his drug problems, recounted how he manipulated her into staying with him despite these issues.
The incident took place in November of the previous year after they had spent the night at the hotel.
She explained the argument started because she had woken him at 4 am.
Prosecutor Feleena Grosvenor reported that the victim had thrown a water bottle at Rycroft, causing her to fall out of bed, and that Rycroft then hit her with the kettle before leaving.
The woman later sought medical treatment and, upon contemplating her situation, decided she could no longer remain with Rycroft.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and admitted guilt.
Exeter Crown Court handed him a sentence of 32 weeks, noting that he had already completed the custodial period following his arrest and was to be released.
The court also mentioned that both parties probably contributed to the argument, with the judge stating, "I think this is all about the drugs." Rycroft’s criminal history includes 34 previous convictions, such as battery, affray, and disorderly behavior.
