Paul Turton, high on cocaine, assaulted his neighbor with a broom after she helped his partner. He received a 17 month sentence.
The attack left her with a permanent scar. A judge called his actions “disgraceful.” The judge said anger caused the violence.
Jennifer Christopherson heard a knock. It was around 10 PM last year. Laura Goodhew was there with kids. Laura said Paul, her partner, hurt her. Jennifer let them inside her house.
Paul arrived twenty minutes later. Jennifer said he looked “off his head.” His eyes were wide. He had an evil look. He seemed ready to fight.
He pushed past Jennifer. Paul grabbed Laura by her hair. He dragged her to the floor. The kids were very scared during this. Laura got to the kitchen. He took the kids outside after that.
Jennifer followed him outside. Paul grabbed a yard brush. He then swung it at her face. The hit almost knocked her down.
She ran inside and locked the door. Later, she went to the hospital. She had a seven-centimeter cut near her eye. The scar makes her feel disgusted. She added that she feels anxious and unsafe. She was only trying to help.
Police arrested Turton early the next day. He claimed Jennifer attacked him. He said he accidentally hit her. He was just trying to throw the brush away.
He had past convictions for violent acts. His lawyer said he misses his children. The lawyer said Turton felt remorse as his mental health played a part.
Turton admitted to the crime. The judge sentenced him to seventeen months. He also got a three-year restraining order.
The judge stated Turton argued with his partner. She feared violence and sought refuge. He forced his way into the neighbor’s house. He assaulted his partner in front of the kids.
The judge explained how he swung the brush at Jennifer. Her injury could have been worse. The scar is a significant injury. The judge added his actions were disgraceful. Anger, alcohol, and drugs caused the attack.