NORTHUMBERLAND MAN SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ASSAULT
Richard Johnson, a 31-year-old from Byron Close, Guidepost, was convicted of multiple violent and controlling behaviors towards former partners.He assaulted his girlfriend by strangling her, headbutting her three times, and kicking her in the back during a vicious attack.
Johnson also displayed obsessive and abusive conduct in previous relationships, including leaving threatening voicemails and accusing partners of infidelity.
The court heard that in January last year, Johnson left a disturbing voicemail calling a woman a 'sl**' and threatening to burn her car, which caused her to fear assault.
In September, he entered into another relationship with a woman who has two children.
He became obsessively possessive, constantly ringing her, searching her phone, and blocking male friends on Facebook.
The violence escalated in April when he slapped her, causing bruising, grabbed her by the throat, squeezed, and kicked her in the back.
He then asked her if she 'wanted to stab him,' leading her to retrieve two knives, after which he headbutted her three times.
His actions resulted in her face swelling, and he subsequently apologized.
Johnson pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behavior, malicious communication, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Recordings of the voicemail and evidence of abusive behavior were presented in court.
He was handed a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend mental health treatment sessions, and participate in a 'building better relationships' program.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed against him.
