GARETH CORKHILL FROM WHITEHAVEN SENTENCED AFTER VIOLENT OUTBURST AND DAMAGE

A woman from Whitehaven was left feeling terrified and shaken after her partner, Gareth Corkhill, aged 43, unleashed a violent episode that resulted in significant property damage and emotional distress. The incident unfolded on December 3 of the previous year, during which Corkhill caused approximately £1,700 worth of destruction to the victim’s sofas and chairs, according to court records.

Details of the case were presented at Workington Magistrates’ Court, where Pamela Fee, the prosecuting officer, explained that Corkhill and the woman had been in a relationship for about ten months at the time of the incident. The woman had been out socializing with friends at a local pub and, upon returning home, discovered that Corkhill was not present. She decided to visit a friend’s house for additional drinks. When she eventually returned home, Corkhill was still absent. She was found sitting on her sofa when he unexpectedly arrived back at the residence, which quickly escalated into a heated verbal argument.

During the confrontation, Corkhill retrieved a large kitchen knife and began stabbing the sofa, causing visible damage. He also attacked a living room chair’s seat cushion, further contributing to the destruction. The woman, visibly upset and frightened, was present during the incident and described feeling overwhelmed by fear. She admitted to police that she was too scared to call for help immediately and only contacted authorities after Corkhill had left the scene.

In her statement to police, the woman recounted that Corkhill had been shouting and swearing throughout the episode. He was upset about her choice of sleepwear, questioning why she was in bed with a cardigan, which added to her distress. She was crying and expressed her fear about what Corkhill might do next with the knife, highlighting the severity of her concern for her safety.

Following the incident, both individuals went to bed. The next day, Corkhill returned, apologized for his actions, and then collected his belongings before leaving the property. Unrepresented in court, Corkhill pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage under £5,000 and common assault. Magistrates responded by imposing a 12-month community order, which includes 60 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation. He was also ordered to pay £1,700 in compensation to the victim, along with £85 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge. To protect the victim, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting Corkhill from making any contact with her for a period of 12 months, ensuring her safety moving forward.