Drunk jailed after fracturing partner's ribs in attack
A MAN has been jailed after he fractured his girlfriend's ribs during a drunken fight.
Mark Gannon also kicked Donna Maddox in the face, and later told hospital staff that she had injured herself falling down the stairs.
She had also suffered a punctured lung, concussion, and extensive bruising.
The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday, after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm.
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Prosecutor Heather Chamberlin told the court that on the evening of April 20 the couple had been at home in Church Street, Wood Lane.
Both Gannon and Ms Maddox had been drinking and taking prescription drugs, and the latter was described as being 'extremely drunk'.
They got in a fight, which ended with Gannon kicking out at his girlfriend after she confronted him in their bedroom.
Gannon subsequently called for an ambulance when it became clear she was badly injured.
Ms Chamberlin said: "Donna Maddox told staff that she had fallen down two or three steps at home.
"The defendant and Ms Maddox tried to have her discharged, saying she needed to pick up her kids.
"The staff were not happy with this. They decided to call the police."
Ms Maddox told the police she had fallen down the stairs, and refused to make a statement.
But doctors found that her extensive injuries, which included four or five broken ribs, were not consistent with a fall, but appeared to have come from a 'direct impact'.
The court heard that Gannon had a previous conviction for domestic violence, involving a different partner.
Joanne Wallbanks, mitigating for Gannon, said drink and drugs were problems for both the defendant and his victim.
She said: "This is somebody who is in a difficult relationship, with difficult issues affecting both parties.
"Until the defendant has dealt with his drink and drug issues, he will not be able to deal with his anger management issues."
Ms Wallbanks told the court that Ms Maddox was still in a relationship with Gannon, although they no longer lived together.
Recorder Simon Drew told Gannon he had committed a 'very serious' offence.
He said: "This was an incident which occurred within your relationship, and was fuelled by alcohol, and possibly drugs.
"You attacked your partner and caused her serious injuries. These injuries included four or five fractured ribs, and extensive bruising to her head, face, neck and eyes.
"She also suffered a punctured lung and concussion which doctors say caused significant memory loss.
"Your partner has decided she does not wish to co-operate with your prosecution, which is understandable, but not commendable, bearing in mind your history of violence.
"You tried to prevent her from calling the police, and also attempted to spirit her away from hospital, when she clearly required medical treatment."
Comments
by MusicHallFan
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 4:10PM
“Get out before he kills you.”
by semis
Monday, October 22 2012, 1:20PM
“Goach, sorry. You are correct. However, my sentiments remain unchanged.”
by Goach
Monday, October 22 2012, 12:13PM
“semis - this case was not heard by magistrates it was heard at the crown court. If it had been heard by magistrates they would only have the power to sentence to a maximum of six months or refer to crown court.”
by semis
Monday, October 22 2012, 4:30AM
“2 and a half years in Jail. Probably serve 15 months, what a joke. Magistrates are constricted to reduced sentences because of prison overcrowding.
We need to get real with sentencing of offenders.
If it needs more prisons being built, so be it. I would happily pay more tax to get these low life's off our streets.”
by Anon_mow_cop
Sunday, October 21 2012, 1:51PM
“I think we should replace the phrase "drink & drugs" with "Stoke cocktail", because that's all I read of these days in most court cases.”
by warren-lloyd
Saturday, October 20 2012, 11:12AM
“I would think the animal will have time to sort its drinking, drug and anger management problems out in prison. Any woman deserves better them this, kick it out love.”
by Robnoxious
Saturday, October 20 2012, 10:47AM
“History of abuse. Some people are just beyond help, no matter what help is out there. Again children on the scene of this relationship, and the dangers of it. Both parties need some serious help so they can move on in life. She must be at rock bottom to deny the cause of her injuries. Which what the abuser does. no self esteem, you are worthless. Applauds for the Hospital staff reporting it to the police, and getting to the real cause of her injuries. The silent crime of the nation. She might not have lived to tell the tale the next time it happened, the one thing certain. It would have done. But all to often, as in this case, are in denial and are still in contact with each other.”
by muzzer57
Saturday, October 20 2012, 10:03AM
“White trash as they say in the States.”
by spudder56
Saturday, October 20 2012, 10:02AM
“real hard man this one lowlife scumbag”