A St Helens man has avoided a prison sentence after being found guilty of assaulting his ex-partner in a disturbing incident that left the victim with long-lasting psychological trauma.
The court heard that on May 28, 2023, David Green and his partner got into an argument after returning to her home address in Warrington following separate events. The argument quickly escalated, with Green telling his partner to “pack his bags” before throwing her handbag upstairs and punching her in the face.
Green, 51, of Boardmans Lane in St Helens, was convicted of assault by beating at a trial earlier this month and appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 29, for sentencing.
Victim Impact Statement
During the court proceedings, a victim impact statement was read out, revealing the devastating impact of Green’s actions on his former partner. Prosecutor Gayle McCoubrey described the victim as an outgoing and cheerful person with a good work-life balance and a great support network.
The victim expressed how her life had been drastically altered since her relationship with Green, citing intense anxiety, feelings of unsafety, and heightened awareness when leaving the house. She no longer enjoys her hobbies, her sleep has been disrupted, and she always informs family or friends when she leaves the house.
In her statement, the victim conveyed, “I know that this relationship will affect me for years to come and I am not the person I once was. I am so relieved to be away from Dave. Although the relationship was only for two months, it felt like much longer. People should not be able to commit crimes and get away with it […] I keep telling myself that he can’t hurt me anymore.”
Mental Health Defense
In his defense, Green’s lawyer, Sam Fixter, highlighted his client’s struggles with mental health issues stemming from traumatic experiences during his childhood. Green has night terrors and has left employment in the past due to his traumatic past.
Fixter also mentioned that Green is a father to a six-year-old child and provides care for his elderly parents, including his father who suffers from COPD. These factors were considered by the court in determining Green’s sentence.
Community Order
After careful consideration, the magistrates decided to impose a 12-month community order on Green instead of a prison sentence. This order requires Green to complete 15 rehabilitation days. Additionally, he was fined £300, ordered to pay £650 in court costs, and a £114 surcharge.
Interestingly, the court chose not to issue a restraining order against Green towards his ex-partner, noting that he had not violated his bail conditions or attempted to contact her since his arrest.
Overall, this case sheds light on the complexities of domestic abuse and the lasting impact it can have on victims. It also underscores the importance of considering the mental health of perpetrators in the criminal justice system. Moving forward, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of survivors while also addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to abusive behavior.
Impact of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all backgrounds and demographics. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
Victims of domestic abuse often face significant physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. These can include physical injuries, mental health disorders, social isolation, financial instability, and more. The trauma of abuse can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, impacting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Mental Health and Domestic Violence
The intersection of mental health and domestic violence is complex. Perpetrators of abuse may have underlying mental health issues that contribute to their violent behavior. Trauma, substance abuse, personality disorders, and other mental health conditions can play a role in perpetuating abusive patterns.
It is essential for the criminal justice system to consider the mental health of individuals involved in domestic violence cases. Providing appropriate support and interventions for both survivors and perpetrators is crucial in breaking the cycle of abuse and promoting healing and recovery.
Legal Response and Sentencing
The sentencing of individuals convicted of domestic abuse is a critical aspect of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for survivors. While some cases may warrant imprisonment, others may benefit from alternative sentencing options that address the root causes of the abuse and promote rehabilitation.
Community orders, counseling programs, anger management classes, and other rehabilitative measures can help perpetrators address their behavior and prevent future instances of abuse. It is essential for the legal system to consider the individual circumstances of each case and tailor sentencing decisions to best support the needs of survivors and promote accountability for perpetrators.
In conclusion, the case of David Green highlights the complex dynamics of domestic abuse and the importance of addressing both the immediate impact on survivors and the underlying issues that contribute to abusive behavior. By recognizing the intersection of mental health and domestic violence and implementing appropriate legal responses and sentencing measures, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all individuals affected by domestic abuse.