THOMAS LAW FROM PERTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK ON PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND
Thomas Law, a 26-year-old man from Perth, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after a series of violent incidents involving his pregnant partner.The court heard that Law, who resides on Crammond Place in Perth, had a troubling history of substance abuse and domestic violence during a tumultuous four-month period in 2021.
According to the Perth Sheriff Court, Law had previously admitted to assaulting the mother of his child on two separate occasions.
The assaults included a particularly severe incident where he forcibly squeezed her neck after throwing her against a set of stairs.
Despite these violent episodes, the woman expressed her desire not to pursue a non-harassment order, citing the importance of maintaining stability for their child.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Hodgson, representing the state, detailed the disturbing pattern of abuse.
She explained that Law and his partner had an on-and-off relationship starting in 2020, although they did not cohabitate.
Hodgson emphasized Law’s ongoing issues with cocaine and alcohol, which appeared to fuel his aggressive behavior.
In July 2021, shortly after discovering she was pregnant, the woman and Law engaged in an argument while he was intoxicated.
During this altercation, Law, who was only wearing socks at the time, kicked his partner in the stomach, an act that caused her significant distress and physical harm.
Another incident occurred on November 26, 2021, when Law arrived at the woman’s flat early in the morning, banging on the door, shouting, and swearing.
His partner threatened to call the police, and she eventually left for work.
As she opened her front door, Law forcefully pushed his way inside, pushing her against the stairs and causing her to hit her head.
He then grabbed her by the body, pinned her by the throat, and began squeezing her neck.
During this assault, the woman managed to press her mobile phone’s SOS button five times, which triggered an emergency alert.
Law released her after hearing the alarm, but not before leaving her visibly shaken and with red marks on her neck from the compression.
Following these events, Law turned himself in to police in December 2021.
He was initially released on bail but violated its conditions in February 2022 when he was found hiding under a blanket in his partner’s home despite a court order banning him from contacting her.
In August, Law pleaded guilty to the charges, and while reports were being prepared, he was again released on bail.
During the court proceedings, defense solicitor Linda Clark described Law’s behavior as stemming from immaturity and self-absorption.
She acknowledged that his domestic abuse was a result of his inability to reflect on his actions and his struggle to accept responsibility.
Clark noted that Law had over two years to consider his conduct and that he appeared to be making efforts to change.
Judge John MacRitchie, in sentencing Law, opted for a community-based order rather than jail time.
He stated that he considered the guidelines and the need to protect the public, but also recognized Law’s lack of prior convictions and his age.
The judge emphasized that Law had begun to address some of the issues contributing to his violence.
As part of his sentence, Law was ordered to complete a two-year probation period, perform 240 hours of unpaid work (reduced from 300 due to his guilty plea), and participate in the Caledonia Men’s Programme, which is designed for domestic abusers.
Additionally, Law was admonished for breaching his bail conditions, but the court’s decision reflected a cautious approach aimed at rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
