A 23-year-old man, Curtis Dryden, assaulted his girlfriend in a fit of jealousy, grabbing her by the neck and pinning her against a wall. The incident took place in the early hours of September 24, 2023, at a property in Marton. The court heard that Dryden, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accused his partner of cheating before physically attacking her. Despite the severity of the attack, he avoided immediate jail time, receiving a suspended sentence.
Man Accuses Girlfriend of Cheating and Attacks Her
Teesside Crown Court was told that Dryden was waiting for his girlfriend when she returned home from the pub. He immediately began questioning her about who had dropped her off and where she had been. The prosecution stated that he was clearly intoxicated, either by alcohol or drugs, and soon became violent.
In the kitchen, he started pushing and shoving her before grabbing her by the neck with his right hand and pinning her against the wall. The victim was terrified as Dryden shouted at her in anger.
Violence Escalates, Leaving Victim Bruised and Her Phone Smashed
The court was informed that Dryden briefly left the room, walked into the bedroom, and punched a wall in frustration. However, he soon returned and continued to push his girlfriend aggressively.
During the attack, the victim suffered pain in her head. When she woke up the next morning, she discovered her phone had been broken into two pieces. She also suffered bruising and has since struggled with sleep due to the traumatic experience.
Court’s Verdict: Suspended Sentence and Restraining Order
Dryden pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. His defense barrister, Gary Wood, pointed out that he had no prior criminal record.
Recorder Tony Hawks, who presided over the case, sentenced Dryden to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months. The judge strongly condemned his actions, stating:
“These courts are getting sick and tired of dealing with cases where immature young men in relationships start jealous tirades towards their partners and end up assaulting them. Domestic violence in this country is a curse.”
As part of his sentence, Dryden must complete 10 rehabilitation days and pay a victim surcharge. Additionally, he was issued a five-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim.
This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence and the impact it has on victims. While Dryden avoided immediate jail time, his actions left his girlfriend physically and emotionally distressed. The court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence shows that while first-time offenders may be given a chance at rehabilitation, violent behavior in relationships is not tolerated. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of domestic abuse and the need for greater awareness and prevention measures.
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