A violent thug who launched a vicious attack on his partner during a caravan holiday in Yorkshire has been handed a suspended prison sentence. Damien Morrison, 44, became enraged after claiming his girlfriend had said the name of another man while they were staying at Thornwick Bay holiday park near Bridlington.
Hull Crown Court heard that Morrison, from Chorlton, Manchester, smashed the caravan door and slashed two of the woman's car tyres, cutting his hand in the process. The victim, who shares a child with Morrison, suffered a cut to her mouth and bruises, while damage to the caravan was estimated at £6,400.
Prosecutor Richard Butters said the couple had been in a turbulent relationship for more than six years. The violence flared when Morrison, who had been drinking, accused his partner of infidelity. She fled the caravan without shoes and sought help from security, but upon returning found Morrison still aggressive. He pushed her, called her a 'sl*g', and punched her in the face.
Police arrived to find blood all over the caravan, which came from Morrison's injured hand. He later made no comment in interview. The court heard Morrison has 56 previous convictions, including for domestic violence and burglary.
Judge John Thackray KC described Morrison's behaviour as 'disgraceful' and noted he represents a high risk of serious harm to partners. Morrison admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage. He received a two-year suspended sentence, a monitoring order, and a 10-year restraining order.
