Dad threw ex-partner down stairs and threatened to smash into lorry with young son in car
A dad threw his ex-partner down a flight of stairs and on another occasion threatened to drive his car into a lorry, a court has heard.
Thornaby’s[1] Damien Taylor appeared at Teesside Crown Court[2] on Friday to be sentenced for a raft of offences against his former partner. The court heard the pair were together for around seven years and share a young son.
Outlining the case, prosecutor Caroline McGurk, said the relationship broke down in July 2022 when the victim suspected Taylor of taking drugs. Ms McGurk said the woman didn’t want their son exposed to his behaviour.
In the months after, the 44-year-old committed a string of terrifying offences including pushing the woman down a flight of stairs, threatening to kill her and cutting her with a blade.
Teesside Crown Court heard the offences took place between September 2022 and March 2023 and left the victim fearing for her life. Ms McGurk said during one incident, the defendant invited the victim to his flat to discuss their relationship.
‘She genuinely thought she was going to die’
She said the woman reached the top of the stairs leading to the home when he ran at her screaming “get out”. She said: “He grabbed her her by the coat, lifted her off the floor and threw her down the stairs. She recalls hitting every step on the way to the the bottom with her head and back. She says she genuinely thought she was going to die. The defendant ran down the stairs asking if she was ok, crying and saying that he didn’t mean it.”
On another occasion, Taylor was driving with the victim and their young son in the car when things turned sour. The prosecutor said the pair were arguing when Taylor said “don’t start because I’ll f***ing slam this car straight into that.”
Ms McGurk said the victim recalls the defendant threatening to drive the car into a lorry and said she feared for her and her son’s life. On another date, at the victim’s house, the defendant visited their son but another argument broke out because his ex wanted him to leave.
‘You know what I’m capable of’
The court heard the defendant was wearing a bracelet concealing a blade and held it up to the victim saying “you know what I’m capable of”. Ms McGurk said: “The victim says she was scared the defendant was going to slit her throat or hurt her in some way with the knife. The defendant then squeezed the blade into the victim’s cheek cutting it.”
On another date, he shouted to his former partner “You’re f***ing dead” as she drove passed him. Taylor of Avon Close in Thornaby[3], pleaded guilty to the following:
- Threats to kill
- Two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Two breaches of a non-molestation order
In mitigation, the court heard the defendant has no relevant previous convictions and has previously struggled with drug addiction. He is working with the Drug and Alcohol Team (DART) in prison to address his issues and has engaged with help in custody.
Taylor was handed a 26-month prison sentence and made subject of a restraining order banning contract with the victim for five years. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
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References
- ^ Thornaby’s (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Teesside Crown Court (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Thornaby (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ go here (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
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