‘Dangerous’ thug in jail for vicious attack
JON MACPHERSON
AVICIOUS thug who fractured his partner’s jaw in a drunken argument has been classed as a ‘dangerous offender’.
Andrew Haworth, of Stanley Street, Oswaldtwistle, grabbed the victim by her hair and held her head down on the carpet before repeatedly punching her.
He then wrapped his arm around her neck and told her ‘I’m going to snatch the f****** life out of you’.
Preston Crown Court heard how the 34-yearold has 16 convictions for 33 previous offences, including seven assaults, a wounding with intent, three affrays, nine criminal damages, a robbery and an arson with intent to endanger life.
Judge Simon Newell told Haworth that ‘violence has permeated your adult and juvenile life’.
Haworth pleaded guilty to GBH and was jailed for 30 months with an extended two years’ licence period.
David Traynor, prosecuting, told the court the assault happened on May 6, 2016 after the couple, who had both been drinking, got into a ‘significant argument’ in the bedroom.
The court heard how the victim could not breathe after Haworth launched the attack and she passed out after he grabbed her around the neck.
When she woke up her mouth was ‘flicking’ and ‘her jaw felt loose’. She fled the house and called police.
Mr Traynor said she told officers they were the ‘hardest punches she had ever felt’ and was taken to hospital with a fractured lower jaw, bruising and swelling to her left eye and a laceration to her nose.
She also required surgery and five teeth to be removed.
Sentencing, Judge Newell said: “It takes some force to break a jaw in that particular position. She lost five teeth as well. She had to have full surgery and plates inserted. It’s a serious and unpleasant injury.
“Both you and (the victim) will resume your relationship and I suspect it already has. That causes serious concerns for the probation service and myself because, while I would accept that in regard to the general public you are not a danger, it seems to me for the foreseeable future in the relationship you have that there’s a significant risk of serious harm to her from you.”
Defence barrister Jeremy Lasker said the couple ‘only have each other’.
He told the court: “These two people love each other, certainly when they are sober. The trouble is both of their lives are completely blighted by alcohol.
“It’s fair to say the violence hasn’t always been one way. There was a period of time when he was in the North East and absent from drink and drugs and had a responsible job. He ultimately returned to Lancashire and ever since has been in a downward spiral.
“The only future they can see is a life together. One can only hope they will be able to resolve their drinking issues and lead a less tempestuous life together.”
He provided the judge with a letter from the victim which claimed that the incident and complaint had been ‘made up’.
However, the judge rejected its content, telling the court the victim made an immediate complaint to police and there was ‘blood everywhere in the house’.