JEALOUS SOUTHAMPTON MAN HITS PARTNER AND DAMAGES HER CAR, COURT HEARS

A woman was left fearing for her safety after her ex-partner, Darryl Cartwright, engaged in a violent incident outside her home. Court hearings revealed that Cartwright, described as 'jealous,' waited in the woman's garden shouting 'open the door' upon her return. The police were called and the woman had to hide from him until officers arrived. Southampton Crown Court was told that Cartwright began kicking her car, causing her to feel 'worried and fearful' for her safety. Additionally, there was an incident last August where he made 'jealous comments' and struck the victim with the back of his hand, hitting her right eye. Prosecutor Francisca Da Costa stated, 'On Easter Sunday this year, the complainant arrived home with her friend and saw the defendant outside in her rear garden, shouting at her to open the door.' She further explained that he was banging and kicking her vehicle repeatedly. The woman expressed her distress, saying Cartwright had been 'drunk and aggressive,' and that she felt 'worried and fearful for her personal safety.' She added, 'I dread to think what might have happened had the police not arrived so quickly.' Cartwright, who had previously breached a restraining order, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the vehicle in April. The court heard that he does not have 'the right tools to express himself' but was urged to consider a suspended sentence. His lawyer, Ruba Huleihel, argued for leniency, stating he is 'extremely remorseful' and believes 'his behaviour was stupid.' The judge, Brian Forster KC, commented that 'there can be no excuse' for Cartwright's actions and emphasized the importance of respecting relationships. He was sentenced to an 11-month prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work and participate in a Building Better Relationships programme.