Man jailed after admitting to violently attacking his former partner

A 21-year-old who violently attacked his former partner as she enjoyed a night out with friends has been jailed for more than two years.

Carlos Gonzalez, formerly of Rushden, pleaded guilty to causing her actual bodily harm in December last year, when he appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

The court heard how his ex-partner had got into her friend’s car after leaving the pub at 10pm on December 17, when Gonzalez opened the door and punched her in the face.

She fled the car to try to protect herself, first hiding in a bush and then attempting to find sanctuary in the pub however, Gonzalez assaulted her again and dragged her from the door to the roadside causing her to lose consciousness.

The court heard how residents, upon hearing a female scream, had witnessed the defendant repeatedly punching a woman, whilst one described it as “a ferocious attack” and likened it to something you’d see on television.

Gonzalez was arrested on December 29, and subsequently charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, and at Northampton Crown Court on August 17, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Following the conclusion of the court case, PC Abi Kennedy of Northamptonshire Police’s Domestic Abuse Team, who lead the investigation, said: “Carlos Gonzalez is a very dangerous individual.

“He publicly assaulted his ex-partner whilst she was enjoying an evening out with her friends, repeatedly punching her and causing her to lose consciousness, which resulted in her seeking medical attention for her injuries.

“I am pleased Gonzalez pleaded guilty, preventing the victim having to go through a trial, and although the sentence will never make up for the trauma she has been through, I hope it will help her begin to rebuild her life. 

“Northamptonshire Police takes all forms of domestic abuse incredibly seriously. If you are affected by it, please have confidence in reporting it to us – we will listen, we will believe you, and we will support you throughout our investigation.”

In May, Chief Constable Nick Adderley launched the Force’s Matters of Priority for the next three years, one of which was Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This included an increased focus on stalking and harassment.

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the Northamptonshire Police online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk

If you have been a victim of a domestic abuse but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965.

Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.

Or alternatively visit www.ndas.co or call the Sunflower Centre on 01604 888211 who are local organisations who can also help you.

Did you know you can also request information about someone’s domestic violence history under Clare’s Law by completing a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application. For more information visit www.northants.police.uk