Richard Howlett jailed for assaulting ex and officers 'violently'

Richard Howlett, of High House Drive, Inkberrow and previously of Cowl Street, Evesham, was given a lengthy jail sentence when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. 

Howlett put his former girlfriend, Lisa Duffy, through a trial forcing her to give evidence in court, and was told off for his interruptions while she was in the witness box. 

JAILED: Richard Howlett (Image: West Mercia Police)

During the trial magistrates heard in the first attack the victim had been thrown around "like a ragdoll", before being pushed into a cupboard when she suffered the head wound. 

That attack took place in the victim's home in Droitwich at 9pm on September 3 this year.

But Howlett wasn't finished, in the second attack the following morning pushing the victim into the hallway connecting with a bannister and injuring her shoulder. 

The victim broke down in tears recalling the attacks. 

"Things got out of hand," she said. 

COURT: Richard Howlett appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

"He smashed me into the cupboard. He leaned over me, I thought he going to hit me."

Howlett denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating, and in evidence said he had not caused her injuries. 

But Charles Townsend, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Howlett they had found him guilty on both charges adding: "You were vague about the incidents. 

"You were told to leave the property on several occasions. 

"We are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt the injury was caused by a push."

Magistrates heard the victim 'feared Howlett would come back to finish the job'

The 40-year-old previously admitted two assault by beating of an emergency worker charges. 

Magistrates heard Howett thrashed around violently with punches and kicks when officers Benjamin Sly and Nick Garth came to arrest him. 

Sarah Hurd, prosecuting, explained Howlett had been so out of control he had to be punched to stop him from getting to a taser.

Howlett had three previous convictions for assaulting an emergency worker. 

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting said: "The victim was sore all over.

"She says she suffers constant anxiety as he always says he will be 'coming back to finish the job."

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"She suffered a sore cheekbone and has a mark on side of face that will always remind her of the defendant."

Sentencing him Kevin Lloyd-Wright, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Howlett they were jailing him for 48 weeks. 

He was given a three-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

In 2018 we reported Howlett was jailed for arson. 

In that crime he started a fire at the Spar shop in Blake Avenue, Droitwich, in revenge for being caught shoplifting, causing £38,276 worth of damage.

• On Tuesday Howlett also denied stalking and criminal damage to property. Those offences are alleged to have taken place on November 11. Howlett was told that trial would be heard at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on January 5.

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