Heavy use of drugs and alcohol caused a Bedminster man to have a seizure and start foaming at the mouth. And a court heard that, after recovering from that, he punched and kicked a girl friend and smashed a full length mirror over her.
Reece Jones, 25, of Church Road, admitted unlawful wounding after the assault in August last year. Judge James Patrick was told Jones had mental health difficulties and was working at rehabilitation.
The judge handed him an 18-month community order with both drug rehabiltation and a mental health requirement. He told Jones: "Either I send you back to prison for a few months or I try to deal with you in a more therapeutic way.
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"Your mental health has been made worse by illegal drugs. You appreciate the mess you have made of your life."
The judge told Jones he would be having monthly reviews with him on progress. He said with a breach of court orders the overwhelming likelihood was prison.
Edward Hollingsworth, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court Jones had the seizure in the early hours, and became "deathly pale and delusional". He seemed to recover after five minutes or so, the court heard.
But, out of the blue, he then punched his girl friend to her face, kicked her, threw a plate and kettle at her and then smashed a full length mirror over her. When the complainant tried to escape he pulled her to the floor.
Mr Hollingsworth told the court: "He threw a plate at her. He then lost interest and left her. She took the opportunity to flee."
Witnesses described seeing the complainant hysterical and crying in the street. They hid her from Jones, who just wore blood-covered boxer shorts as he went to a taxi office before being arrested.
The complainant sustained multiple cuts and required surgery to her left arm. In an impact statement she said she was told she may have suffered permanent injury to her left hand.
The court heard Jones has had long-standing use of cocaine and anabolic steriods and suffered from paranoid beliefs when intoxicated. He was aware he gets aggressive when drinking or using drugs.
Emma Martin, defending, told the court: "The incident was nothing short of appalling. It was a sustained incident and it was utterly terrifying for (the complainant).
"Mr Jones has found custody extremely salutary. He has done everything required of him and has been of good conduct."
Mrs Martin said her client was released today (April 17, 2023) he would stay at his mum's and be subject to a 9pm curfew. He would then move to accommodation offered by a charity.
Mrs Martin said: "Prison was awash with drugs. He's maintained abstinence and he will only have himself to blame if he blows it tonight."
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