MARK ROCK

2009: DRUG ADDICT JAILED OVER GIRLFRIEND ATTACK

A 28-year-old man with a history of Lye drug addiction has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after an incident involving violence and criminal activity.

Mark Rock caused injuries to his girlfriend, Gemma Brennan, after she lost his tobacco pouch containing drug paraphernalia, which led to him physically assaulting her and leaving her with significant bruising and swelling.

The assault left Brennan needing hospital treatment for her facial injuries.

The court was also informed that Rock, at the time of his arrest, was carrying a screwdriver and attempted to attack a security guard who had caught him shoplifting at a Merry Hill store.

Additionally, he tried to force open office doors belonging to Dudley Council.

Rock, who resides on Lye High Street, pleaded guilty to charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, attempted burglary, theft, possession of an offensive weapon, and a public order offense.

It was noted that these crimes violated a previous 51-week suspended sentence for burglary, which the court revoked.

The judge, Deputy Circuit Judge David McEvoy QC, sentenced Rock to 15 months in prison, with an additional six months added for breaching the earlier suspended sentence.

During the hearing, the defense argued that Rock was now motivated to address his drug addiction, stating that he had been deeply involved in the drug scene for a long period, and emphasizing that when drug-free, he tends to refrain from criminal behavior.