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26
Oct
Harrogate man who harassed and assaulted partner avoids jail
A Harrogate man who harassed and assaulted his partner has avoided jail.
Neil Johnson, 61, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (October 23) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, said Johnson, of Eavestone Grove, had changed his plea on a harassment charge ahead of a trial in September.
He had also admitted two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a named victim, which he appeared for sentencing for on Friday.
Ms Ibbotson said the nature of the offences were “domestic” and involved Johnson’s now ex-partner.
The prosecutor told the court that the named victim was 20-years-old at the time of the offences, which took place between February 1, 2023, and August 8, 2023.
Ms Ibbotson said the victim told police that the harassment and assault happened over a short period of time.
The court heard that Johnson assaulted her on two occasions on July, 2, 2023, when he punched her to the face and another time when he kicked her on July 15, 2023.
Ms Ibbotson said Johnson also harassed the named victim, which included pouring drinks over her, pushing her down the stairs, damaging her mobile phone and dropping the phone in the bath.
The charge also included making threats of violence against her and assaulting her repeatedly.
Ms Ibbotson said the victim made a personal statement, where she said she could no longer go back to her home because of what Johnson had done to her.
The prosecutor said:
She said her mental health was very bad. She was taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety tablets. She was so low and did not know if she wanted to live anymore.
Johnson’s defence told the court that the defendant and named victim had not spoken in three years.
They added that there were a “number of factors” which the 61-year-old needed help with, including his health, accommodation and a drug issue.
Johnson had been clean for four years during the offending period, but had lapsed and was keen to address his drug problem, the court heard.
The defence added he was also going through an eviction at his property, which was causing stress.
Magistrates sentenced Johnson to 40 weeks in prison which was suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to undertake a probation requirement and a drug rehabilitation requirement.
Magistrates also imposed a restraining order on Johnson, which prohibited him from contacting the victim by any means for 10 years.
He was also ordered to pay court costs of £300 and a victims’ surcharge of £187.
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