Craigavon, Northern Ireland – A man from Lurgan has been sentenced to jail after brutally assaulting his former girlfriend with a wine glass, choking her, and beating her until she lost consciousness. Simon Andrew Taylor, aged 38, caused a severe head injury to his ex-girlfriend during the attack, which took place at their shared home in Trasna Way. Taylor appeared before Craigavon Crown Court for sentencing where he pleaded guilty to a lesser assault charge after initially denying the more serious assault/wounding charge.
The violent incident occurred in the early hours of June 18th last year, following a night of drinking vodka-based cocktails. According to the victim, Taylor, who was heavily intoxicated, became aggressive after she tried to intervene in his loud music playing and took the speaker upstairs. The situation escalated when Taylor threw a drink at her and then struck her with a crystal glass on the head, causing her to black out momentarily. The assault continued as he repeatedly hit her, slammed her head against a wall, and ultimately choked her, leaving her struggling to breathe.
Despite Taylor’s previous assault convictions, none of them were in a domestic setting, making this attack particularly shocking for the victim. The impact of the assault plunged the victim into a deep depression, drastically altering her physical and mental well-being. In court, Taylor’s defense mentioned his inebriated state that day, attributing it to the anniversary of his younger brother’s death and excessive alcohol consumption.
The judge, His Honour Judge Patrick Lynch KC, handed down a 12-month custodial sentence to Taylor, followed by 16 months on license. However, with credit for time served on remand, Taylor is expected to be released before the summer. The victim’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and the long-lasting effects it can have on survivors.
The court’s decision to hold Taylor accountable for his actions sends a strong message about the consequences of such violent behavior. It is crucial for society to support and protect survivors of domestic abuse and to ensure that perpetrators are held responsible for their actions. The case highlights the urgent need for ongoing efforts to prevent and address domestic violence in all its forms.