A serial perpetrator of domestic abuse who admitted what a judge described as a “horrendous” campaign of violence against his ex-partner, has been jailed.
However Lee Doherty (33) from St Colman’s Drive, Strabane will be freed in days having already served almost all his sentence while remanded in custody.
He admitted three counts of assault, two of threatening to kill, three of criminal damage involving two phones and clothing as well as breaching a restraining order.
Offending occurred over several days between August 1-5 2023.
Having previously denied the charges, Doherty was re-arraigned and accepted all.
Dungannon Crown Court heard the victim attended Strabane PSNI station covered in blood and with obvious injuries to her nose.
She accepted going to Doherty’s home knowing he was under a restraining order banning contact with her.
Whilst there he accused her of cheating with another man and punched her to the face and body and pulled her hair.
He also placed his hands around her throat, said he would kill her and took her phoned damaging it beyond repair.
Two days later she was driving in Strabane when Doherty walked in front of her car and when she stopped, he got in the passenger side, shouting and accusing her of cheating on him with his brother.
She denied this but he punched her to the head, before lifting her new mobile phone and throwing it out the window where it smashed on the road.
The final incident occurred when Doherty accused the victim of taking his drugs and when this was denied he slapped her repeatedly across the face.
She walked away but he ran after her, punching her multiple times to the face while threatening to kill her.
As a result of the attacks she has suffered multiple bruising to her face and body.
Doherty was arrested and denied all allegations, insisting he had not seen the victim at all, with the exception of the first day when she assaulted him and took his money.
However, he was unable to account for her injuries she sustained.
Doherty was described as: “A serial perpetrator of domestic abuse against various partners and family members. There is a significant cycle of domestic abuse extending over many years. He is assessed as a violent offender under Public Protection arrangements. He has 122 previous convictions including assaults, criminal damage, harassment and threats to kill. His offending not only shows a propensity for violence but highlights a total disregard for abiding by the law and he is not deterred by the justice system.”
He previously contacted a victim from prison while remanded on domestic charges, threatening to kill her.
In another, also while remanded for similar matters he contacted a victim 387 times.
Addressing Doherty directly Judge Richard Green remarked: “The facts of this case are horrendous, bearing in mind your overpowering and violent behaviour.”
“You’ve left an indelible mark on this victim by subjecting her to a horrible ordeal.”
Judge Green imposed a sentence of two years and six months, but will be released in a matter of weeks due to time served.
