THE GARIES Regional Court sentenced Darryl Joseph, 34, to 10 years of direct imprisonment after he was convicted of brutally assaulting his 17-year-old girlfriend with a pole.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on Tuesday that the offence occurred in Paulshoek, near Garies in the Namakwa District, on October 15, 2022.

“On the day of the attack, the complainant was socialising with friends at her cousin’s house when Joseph arrived and aggressively called her outside. As she approached him, he brutally assaulted her with a dropper pole, striking her in the face,” said Senokoatsane.

He added that in a desperate attempt to shield herself, the complainant grabbed her friend, using her as protection against the blows.

“Her friend managed to escape, fearing for her safety. The complainant also attempted to flee, but Joseph chased after her and continued his violent assault, repeatedly striking her face and body while verbally degrading her.”

Senokoatsane stated that despite attempts by the complainant’s cousin and friends to intervene, Joseph persisted in his attack.

“He later took the complainant to his residence, where the assault continued before they eventually went to bed. The following morning, the complainant seized an opportunity to escape and sought help from a family friend. Joseph pursued her, pleading for forgiveness and professing his love, but by that time, the police had already been alerted.”

He indicated that there was a history of abuse, where the complainant had previously endured assaults but refrained from laying charges against the accused when he repeatedly pleaded for forgiveness.

“The attack left her with multiple injuries, including severe facial fractures requiring surgical intervention.”

Senokoatsane said Joseph entered into a plea agreement with the State, whereupon he was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.

“The defence was unable to prove any exceptional circumstances. Joseph was declared unfit to work with children and to possess a firearm.

“The sentence underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions,” he added.