The court heard how it was ‘an appalling attack’
A terrified woman had two of her front teeth knocked out during a violent argument with her boyfriend after he “cornered” her outside her home and “lost it” before repeatedly punching her in the face. Jason Paul had a history of violence and he had been “partying” and taking Spice before the “appalling” confrontation escalated and got out of hand.
He had been left “disgusted” with himself and it was a “moment of extreme stupidity” to lose his temper and lash out, Hull Crown Court heard. Paul, 55, of Albert Avenue, off Anlaby Road, west Hull, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, on August 14 last year.
Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said that Paul and his girlfriend had been “texting all day” and he was waiting outside her home to retrieve some keys. There was later an argument between them.
“She was cornered on her own doorstep,” said Miss Rapin. The woman punched his arm and Paul “lost it” and responded by punching her in the face, causing her to fall backwards.
Paul took hold of the woman and punched her four times while she was on the ground. Two teeth were knocked out. There was blood on her face and bruising around her eye.
“She tried to use her phone but he took it,” said Miss Rapin. Paul slapped her three times. She bit Paul’s lip in self-defence and his face was left covered in blood.
He had apparently earlier been “partying” and he had been drinking and taking Spice. The incident was seen on CCTV pictures.
During police interview, Paul made no comment to all questions. He had convictions for 20 previous offences between May 1988 and August 2021.
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They included inflicting grievous bodily harm in 2018, when he was jailed for two years, as well as assault causing actual bodily harm and wounding with intent in December 2021. He also had offences of assault causing actual bodily harm in 1991 and assault in 1996 and 2001.
Billy Torbett, mitigating, said that Paul was under no illusions about how serious the assault was and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. “He is deeply remorseful, regretful and ashamed of his actions,” said Mr Torbett.
“Violence used to be a theme or pattern in this defendant’s life. He has worked hard to avoid such conflicts. He acknowledges that he has lapsed and fallen back into an old way.
“He is quite simply disgusted with himself. He acknowledges that this was very much a moment of extreme stupidity. He accepts his offending in its entirety.
“Upon realising what he had done, he attempted to hug her, to which she bit him in fear. He does not try to minimise his actions or apportion blame.
“He had taken Spice. He had never taken Spice before. He has struggled significantly with drug addiction. He was an occasional user of cocaine and progressed to heroin.”
Paul, a self-employed painter and decorator, had rekindled his relationship with the woman and she was supporting him. There were two references from her.
“The two have managed to put this behind them and have got back on track,” said Mr Torbett. “They are still together.”
Recorder Simon Goldberg KC said that it was a “horrendous” incident. “I am told that you are disgusted with yourself, as well you should be,” said Recorder Goldberg. “This was an appalling attack. It was a persistent assault with serious physical injuries suffered.”
Paul was given a two-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours’ unpaid work, 26 sessions of a probation service programme, six months’ drug rehabilitation and 10 days’ rehabilitation. “Be under no illusions, this is your last chance,” said Recorder Goldberg.