Newry, Northern Ireland – A local man has been convicted for a brutal incident in which he attacked his partner and confined her to a bedroom for nearly two days. Gerard Lennon, 44, faced multiple charges including false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which lead to a sentencing hearing at Newry Crown Court.
During the hearing, details emerged of the harrowing ordeal that occurred between January 13 and January 16 of the previous year. The court was told how Lennon forcefully pulled his girlfriend from her bed by the hair and subjected her to a series of violent acts including biting, kicking, and punching, causing serious physical and psychological harm.
The victim, who described fearing for her life, experienced severe panic attacks during the attack. Despite attempting to shield herself in a corner of the room, Lennon forced her back onto the bed, continuing to scream and bite her. The assault escalated further as Lennon kicked her, resulting in vaginal bleeding, and at one point, even threatened to shave her head with a razor.
Judge Ramsey detailed how Lennon controlled and terrorized the victim throughout the incident, locking her in the bedroom whenever he left and only intermittently allowing her access to the bathroom. The ordeal finally ended on the afternoon of January 15 when the victim managed to escape to a neighbor’s house and call a taxi.
Despite initial hesitation to speak out due to fear of retribution, bolstered by threatening calls from Lennon claiming he would falsely accuse her of assault, the victim decided to provide a statement to the police. During the trial, it was revealed that Lennon attempted to bribe her with money and gifts to prevent her from reporting the abuse.
Highlighting Lennon’s past, which includes at least 10 violent offenses, Judge Ramsey reflected on Lennon’s history of alcohol addiction and limited empathy, factors noted in the pre-sentencing report which also emphasized his tendency to deflect responsibility for his actions.
The victim’s impact statement, also presented during the hearing, revealed ongoing struggles including sleep disturbances, trust issues, and challenges in forming new relationships, painting a picture of the lasting effects of the abuse.
In conclusion, Judge Ramsey underscored the severity of Lennon’s actions, the sustained nature of the attack, and his attempts to dissuade the victim from reporting. He sentenced Lennon to two years in custody, with half of that time to be served in prison and the remainder on license. Additionally, a three-year restraining order was issued to protect the victim.
This case has brought to light the severe impacts of domestic violence and the importance of support for victims to speak out against their abusers.