Woman beaten and ‘scarred for life’ by her violent partner
MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ATTACKS ON A YOUNG WOMAN WHO STILL LOVED HIM
A TEENAGER beaten and robbed by her partner has spoken of the devastating impact it has had on her.
The woman was 18 when she was “dragged around like a rag doll” and pushed over twice by violent Tariq Bolton.
Bolton, 20, now living in Ripon Street, Halifax, was jailed for 18 months at Hull Crown Court after admitting actual bodily harm and theft.
Neil Coxon, prosecuting, told the court Bolton was in a “toxic relationship” with the victim and, on October 24 last year, the couple had been drinking all day.
Later that night Bolton demanded money from his girlfriend at the hostel they were staying at off Beverley Road in Hull to buy drugs, but she refused and he then attacked her.
Mr Coxon said: “The defendant demanded money from the victim for drugs, but she refused and he dragged her about like a rag doll.
“Outside the hostel he pushed her over on to the pavement twice. The police were called, who found the victim with facial injuries and grazes to her hands and knees.
“The victim told police that while she was lying on the ground, the defendant took £20 from her.
“She was emotionally confused and she still loved him, but knew they could not stay together.”
In a victim impact statement, the women gave a heartbreaking account of the effect the attack has had on her.
In the statement, read out in court, she said: “Since what happened I have been in a state of shock and it has taken a long time for it all to sink in.
“I felt guilty for getting him into trouble and I was scared for a long time.
“While we were together he always overpowered me and I accepted him hitting me.
“I still have nightmares and often wake up screaming and in a state of panic.
“I feel mentally scarred and it has an impact on my day-to-day life.
“Some days I will not go out at all and I will stay in with the doors locked. I have gone from 13st to 7st and my hair has been falling out.
“I have permanent scars on my face, which makes me feel worse.
“I find it hard that someone I loved would want to do something like this to me.”
Bolton also pleaded guilty to offences of fraud and handling stolen goods after he used a bank card to draw out cash from a machine on September 25, last year, which had been stolen from an elderly woman in a bag snatch.
He has committed 37 offences included numerous thefts and acts of violence.
Catherine Kioko-gilligan, mitigating, claimed Bolton’s violence was down to his chaotic lifestyle, which involved drink and drugs. She said: “He had a very troubled childhood and no positive role model. He has tried to rebuild his life and is remorseful.
“He has been on remand and has found life in prison difficult, but he has undertaken qualifications in maths and English.”
Judge Mark Bury insisted immediate jail was the only option due to the serious nature of the assault. Addressing Bolton, he said: “You had a wretched upbringing, which has caused issues such as anger management, but your mental health issues have not been helped by the use of Spice.
“You react badly to any difficulty and it is usually a violent one.
“This was a young woman who loved you and the way you treated her was appalling.”
Bolton was given 18 months in prison for the assault, one month for the theft and three months each for fraud and handling stolen goods which will all run concurrently.