A woman with a “violent temper” attacked her partner using a vodka bottle and a half-pint glass during a drinking session, a court in Swansea heard. Charlotte Cotterrell, who has a history of violent offences, assaulted her partner, Terry Thomas, in her Pontardawe home. The incident occurred during a socializing event where an argument escalated between the couple.
The prosecutor mentioned that Cotterrell struck Mr. Thomas on the head with a vodka bottle, causing him to stagger backward. Subsequently, she hit him with a half-pint glass, causing him to fall to the floor. Despite the victim’s attempts to salvage the relationship, further disagreements led him to alert the authorities. Cotterrell, who had 11 previous convictions for various offences, including assaults and unlawful wounding, was already on a community order for assaulting police officers.
During the court sentencing, it was revealed that Cotterrell had borderline personality disorder. Her barrister highlighted the correlation between her behaviour, medication intake, and engagement with support services. The judge faced a decision between a custodial sentence or a more constructive alternative.
Choosing the latter, the judge issued Cotterrell an 18-month suspended sentence, alongside a mental health treatment requirement and a rehabilitation course. Additionally, a restraining order prevented her from contacting her ex-partner for three years. The judge emphasised that the sentence aimed to provide Cotterrell with an opportunity to rebuild her life. Support services like the Live Fear Free helpline and Refuge are available for those affected by domestic abuse or violence in Wales.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to offer Cotterrell a chance at rehabilitation highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of individuals involved in harmful relationships.