Man Jailed for Violent Assault on Ex-partner

Geraldine Faber, from Blackpool, has been left with no sense of taste or smell following an incident in which she was violently attacked by her ex-partner.

Incident

The mother of one, whose toddler was present at the time of the assault, was struck hard in the nose and the side of the head by David Darbyshire, 44, after she told him their relationship was over.

Derbyshire has now been jailed for the assault, which took place when he arrived, intoxicated, at Geraldine’s house in September 2014. Geraldine has since had numerous operations in the hopes of repairing her injuries, however even though it has been over a year since the attack, her sense of taste and smell have not returned.

Geraldine said:

‘I can’t taste a thing. I used to love a roast dinner, but I might as well eat carpet now.

‘My sense of smell has gone too. I can’t smell my son’s nappies, and I can’t tell if the dinner is burning. It worries me that I can’t smell smoke or gas – I worry I might not be able to look after my son in an emergency.

‘It’s a disability and something I’ve had to adapt to.’

Sentencing

Throughout the trial Darbyshire denied the charge. However, he was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison after being convicted of actual bodily harm by the jury at Preston Crown Court in September 2015.

Sentencing, Judge Philip Sycamore, said:

‘This was a very serious incident of domestic violence.

‘The court of appeal has made it abundantly clear that those who involve themselves in domestic violence, particularly where there are aggravating features as there are in this case with the assault taking place in the complainant’s own home while there were children present, in circumstances where she felt she had to leave the property, and where there is an ongoing effect, including the need for corrective surgery, go to custody.’

Criminal Injury – Expert Advice

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is however a government scheme that provides compensation to victims or their families at this tragic time. The scheme is called CICA (The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority). Once your claim is accepted by Hampson Hughes Solicitors, we will liaise with CICA on your behalf.

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email

Source: Mail Online