A knife-wielding thug, who stamped on a woman's knee – breaking her leg – has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Darren Raffery, 45, also slashed her arm with the blade then deliberately coughed into the faces of arresting police officers, claiming he had COVID 19.
Rafferty, of Bentry Close, Dagenham, east London has now also been banned from contacting the woman for 15 years after the court made a restraining order.
He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court for inflicting grievous bodily harm to the woman, plus three counts of assaulting the officers.
At1.30pm on Tuesday, March 24 Rafferty went to an address in Gainsborough Road, Dagenham and attacked the woman.
He subjected her to a brutal, sustained assault during which he stamped on her knee, causing multiple fractures.
He lunged at her with the knife, which slashed her arm as she tried to defend herself.
Police attended the scene and found Rafferty in the property and the victim suffering serious injuries.
She was taken to hospital for treatment.
Upon arrest, Rafferty was verbally abusive to officers, claimed he had COVID-19 and repeatedly coughed in their faces.
Despite being restrained he continued to try to cough in their faces.
Officers were praised by the judge for their professionalism and the care that they took despite the appalling conduct of the defendant.
Detective Inspector Lucie Card said: “This was a horrendous attack on many levels.
“Rafferty’s vicious, sustained assault must have terrified his victim and has caused her a lot of pain.
“I sincerely wish her the best for her recovery and hope she can rest a little easier after today’s outcome.
“We take violent crime seriously and will continue to tackle it, even in these challenging circumstances.
“To use COVID-19 as a weapon against an emergency worker is disgusting but, thankfully, such incidents are extremely rare.
“However, anyone who does try to use coronavirus to threaten or harm others should expect to face serious consequences.”
No comments:
Post a Comment