DARLINGTON MAN SENTENCED AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK AND THREATENING NEIGHBORS WITH KNIFE
A drunkard from Darlington who attacked his partner after she attempted to escape her flat when he had unlawfully shut her front door has been sentenced to jail.According to court reports, Danny Oxley, aged 32, grabbed his partner around the neck as she tried to flee her residence before he pulled her back inside and launched himself at her.
His assault caused her to hit her head on the wall, resulting in a gash above her eyebrow, which required medical gluing after spending the night drinking together in Darlington.
Jessica Butterell, the prosecuting attorney, revealed that the attack took place three days after Oxley was arrested following reports of a domestic disturbance, during which he also kicked a police officer when detained.
Furthermore, Oxley had been arrested earlier that year after threatening to kill neighbors while armed with a knife during an altercation on Barden Moore Road, Darlington, on September 3.
CCTV footage confirmed Oxley's possession of the knife in public though he did not threaten anyone directly.
Oxley, who has no fixed abode but formerly lived in Darlington, pleaded guilty to charges including possession of a bladed article, threatening words or conduct, assaulting an emergency worker, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The court heard that he had significant mental health issues and reacted violently after threats were made against him, leading him to pick up the knife.
His solicitor, Kelleigh Lodge, stated that her client was also a victim of previous violence which impacted his mental state.
Judge Richard Bennett sentenced Oxley to 34 months imprisonment for all the offenses.
Additionally, Oxley was subjected to a restraining order banning contact with the victim for ten years.
The judge described Oxley's behavior as aggressive and erratic, noting he waved a knife around threatening to stab people, and even after disposing of the weapon inside his house, he continued to threaten violence.
The court also highlighted that Oxley grabbed his partner by the neck, caused her to lose her balance, and she hit her head in the process.
