Man jailed for leaving woman with lasting injuries after attack at her home in South Gloucestershire
Darren Morris admitted strangling, biting, gouging at her eyes, and hitting the woman, before smashing windows and damaging cars outside
A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after being convicted of assaulting a woman and causing extensive damage to her home.
Darren Morris, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 28th May.
Morris had previously pleaded guilty to several charges, including three counts of criminal damage, intentional strangulation, assault by causing actual bodily harm, and battery.
The court heard how Morris had been residing at a property near Yate, South Gloucestershire, with a woman known to him.
On Monday 16th March, the homeowner confronted Morris about an unrelated issue, which prompted Morris to attack her.
He struck the victim, bit her finger, gouged her eyes, and strangled her, before punching her and pulling her hair.
Additionally, Morris smashed nine windows and damaged two cars belonging to the victim.
His previous actions in February included assaulting the victim and smashing household items after she had asked him to leave.
The victim suffered facial swelling, black eyes, bite wounds, and ongoing knee pain, requiring hospital treatment.
Designated Investigative Officer Kathryn Edmunds said, “Darren Morris has left the victim traumatised and unrecognisable after his brutal assault on her.
This outcome was made possible by the bravery of the victim in coming forward, as well as the efforts made by the team of specialist investigative officers.
Judge David Chidgey recognised the high harm and culpability of these offences and the courage of the victim in reading her impact statement aloud in court, and passed a custodial sentence on Morris for his crimes.”
DIO Edmunds added: “This sentence will protect the victim and the wider public from Morris and serve to highlight the custodial sentences handed down for violence in incidents such as this.”