Totton man Dean Golden spared immediate jail term after being found guilty of ABH assault at Southampton Crown Court

A woman’s life and career have been ruined after being attacked in her home by her ex-boyfriend, a court heard.

She now also fears all men have violent natures, after Dean Golden (31), of The Redfords, Totton, grabbed her and “dragged” her around the property.

He denied charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage but was later found guilty at trial by unanimous jury verdict.

Appearing in Southampton Crown Court dock, Golden was sentenced to 12 months’ jail, suspended for 24 months, and ordered not to contact his ex-partner again.

Prosecutor Michael Mason said Golden and his victim had been to the Beggars Fair in Romsey on 9th July 2022, and the pair had been drinking before returning to her home.

An argument broke out between the couple that led to the defendant attacking his partner.

He threw a table at her, causing her injuries, and damaged her television and landline phone by ripping out a cable.

During the attack, Golden recorded his victim on his mobile phone, with the footage showing her repeatedly asking him to leave her house.

Mr Mason said: “[The footage] showed her becoming very upset by the damage.

“It would seem he was doing this to goad her and wind her up.”

The victim then fled her home and stopped two men on bicycles in the street for assistance. Her neighbour also called the police and photographed her injuries.

By the time officers arrived Golden had fled and his victim was taken to hospital where she was treated for injuries to her shoulder and jaw.

Describing the impact of the assault, from behind a screen in court, the victim said her relationship with the defendant had been “hostile” and “volatile”.

“The impact on my personality has been great,” she said. “I now spend large amounts of time alone rather than in a social circle with friends and family.

“I now suffer from low self-esteem and fear that all men have a violent, controlling nature.”

She added: “I’m a very different person now… and I’m still undergoing help to rebuild my character.”

The victim said Golden had caused around £5,000 worth of damage to her home over several months, including on the night of the attack. She also quit her job due to stress and is now looking to move home.

Mitigating, Frank Abbott said his client was “very sorry for what happened” and has extended his apologies.

Interrupting, Judge Peter Henry asked: “Then why didn’t he plead guilty? Suddenly, when the chips are down and a pre-sentence report is being drafted, it’s: ‘Well, I really did assault her and I’m dreadfully sorry’.

“Frankly, it’s a little late.”

Mr Abbott replied: “Any remorse expressed after the event could be considered to be late. My client has quite clear indications of mental health issues which are now being looked at.”

The court heard from the victim that Golden had been “coercive” and “manipulative” towards his victim during trial, but Mr Abbott pointed out that no such charges were brought against him.

Handing down sentence, Judge Henry told Golden: “Your full remorse would have been illustrated by making an early admission, without putting your victim through a trial.”

In addition to the suspended jail term, Judge Henry ordered Golden to complete 30 sessions of a Building Better Relationships course and 20 sessions of rehabilitation activity. The defendant was also ordered to pay £500 compensation and made the subject of a five-year restraining order.