A Northern Peninsula man has pleaded guilty to nine charges stemming from domestic violence, that occurred just over a two-month period with a former girlfriend, and has blamed his behavior on alcoholism, as reported in The Western Star from Lebanon, Ohio.
The defendant, 22, admitted to rape and a beating with a weightlifter’s belt. In all, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, four counts of assault, one of assault with a weapon, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of uttering threats.
Names for the defendant, and the victim, are protected by court order. The ban was placed as the belief was if the man was identified, the woman’s name would quickly follow.
J.B. represents the defendant and allegedly said that his client becomes “a monster” after consuming alcohol. The relationship, considered brief, was fraught with the defendant’s alcohol abuse and resulting violent episodes. The two, however, had a baby together.
J.B. told Judge Wayne Gorman, “It’s a good thing this ended when it ended. Looking at the pattern of violence, cases like this often end with the partner being killed” and that domestic violence is “an epidemic that needs to be denounced.”
J.B. further claimed that his client would not have any further violent episodes – as long as he abstains from alcohol. The lawyer feels that his client is a completely different person when he isn’t under the influence of alcohol.
The defendant, in voicing his own feelings about being a good father to his child – that he has yet to meet – became emotional in court. He said, “What I did to her haunts me to this day” and “I have a new outlook on life for me without drugs and alcohol.”
The defendant has promised to remain sober from both drugs and alcohol. He also said that he has been grateful for the opportunity to take alcohol and violence prevention programs while he’s been in custody since August 2011.
Trina Simms, the Crown attorney, asked Judge Gorman to sentence the defendant to a total of three years in prison. She reminded the court that in a single two month period there were several violent incidents.
A victim impact statement, referred to by Simms, recounted that the woman has injuries to her knee and thigh – some of which may be permanent afflictions – due to the beating with the weightlifter’s belt.
The woman also suffers with insomnia, nightmares and a fear of the dark – that all began at the same time that the violence did. Her growing concern is for her child, and how the incidents will figure into both of their lives.
J.B. had requested a 30 to 36 month prison sentence, however, his client agreed to accept whatever punishment the court doles out.
Suffering from domestic violence, possibly growing more severe over time, is a chargeable offense. Contact a family law attorney for help to break the cycle of abuse before it gets any worse!