UPDATE: A Newcastle man has been fined after launching a violent outburst against his partner, resulting in damage to her home and emotional distress. Dylan Finlay, aged 22, was sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court following a shocking incident on June 20, 2023.
In a display of anger over a text message to her father, Finlay threatened his girlfriend, declaring, “I’m going to smash your house up.” After returning to her home in Byker, he escalated his aggression, kicking a baby gate off its hinges and emptying a bin’s contents across her kitchen, according to prosecutor Clare Haswell.
As the situation intensified, Finlay slammed a door against the victim’s back, causing not only physical harm but emotional trauma. In a statement to the court, the victim expressed feeling “emotionally drained” and just wanted him to leave her alone.
The court heard that the couple had initially visited Finlay’s mother before the violent episode unfolded. Upon returning, Finlay’s jealousy took hold, leading him to insult his partner and exhibit increasingly violent behavior. Prosecutor Haswell detailed the chaos: “The gate came off its hinges, and there was a crack in the door of the cupboard. The complainant then heard banging in her kitchen, where she found food and trash strewn across the floor and walls.”
Finlay, who has a previous conviction for possession of a bladed article, pleaded guilty to both assault by beating and criminal damage. His defense attorney, Michael Gibson, argued that Finlay misunderstood the nature of the message that triggered his rage, mistakenly believing it was a romantic interest rather than a family communication.
Ultimately, Finlay was fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to his former partner, along with an additional £85 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
This alarming case serves as a stark reminder of the emotional and physical impact of domestic abuse and the urgent need for awareness and support for victims.
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