A Cleator Moor man who assaulted his partner while in the grip of a long-standing drug addiction has been jailed for a year.
James Leslie Foxcroft, 33, became frustrated on 22nd March after the woman denied him access to her prescription medication and turned violent when she refused to provide him with money for substances.
Foxcroft, of Birks Road, elbowed her in the right eye, kicked her and scratched her arms with his nails. The woman made disclosures about the incident to her mother, who contacted police.
Foxcroft was bailed and prohibited from having any contact with the female. But on release from the police station he immediately went to her address. He remained there and, on 8th April, after more medication and money demands were refused, he began clapping his hands towards the woman, causing her to fear further violence.
Police were again informed and Foxcroft later admitted charges of assault by beating and common assault.
At the time of both offences he was subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed for breaking into a hospital room and stealing medication from a fridge.
Judith McCullough, defending, told a sentencing hearing at Carlisle Crown Court today that Foxcroft — latterly remanded in custody — was now free from drugs which had blighted his life since the age of 13.
“It does seem that when he finds himself in need of drugs that he descends to violence and for that he is very sorry,” said Ms McCullough of his criminal conduct.
“When not on drugs he is a pleasant and affable and polite young man who hopefully has a future now away from the grip of drug abuse.”
Jailing Foxcroft for 52 weeks, Judge Paul Lawton said: “These are serious offences in the context of being subject to a suspended sentence order at that time.”
