'Domestic violence is a scourge on society' - Derry judge warns those who engage in it will be jailed

A judge at Derry Crown Court has said that 'domestic visolence is a scourge on society' and warned that those who engage in it will be jailed.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC made his remarks as he jailed Alex Crawford (25) from Kinsale Park in Derry for a series of domestic incidents that occurred on dates between October 1 2022 and November 15 2022.

The court heard that police were on patrol in the Fountain area and were flagged down by a member of the public claiming that a man was trying to force his way into a house. 

Police spoke to the woman who said she had been in a relationship with the defendant and it had ended. 

She said she had told him she would leave his belongings outside the door but when she opened the door to do so he had forced his way in. 

The woman said that she tried to leave but Crawford prevented her doing so and closed the door on her arm. 

She also told police of a number of assaults by the defendant in one case he subjected her 'to some form of strangulation' and kneed her in the ribs.

Judge Rafferty said that non fatal strangulation was a 'serious issue' but at this time it was not a distinct offence and all the defendant could be charged with was common assault which he said 'did not address the seriousness of the offending.'

He sentenced Crawford to 12 months in prison with half of that to be served in custody and imposed a Restraining Order for a period of five years.