Reading polygraph used in domestic abuse case
A Reading polygraph could have been used to help police in an abuse case.
The case
George Hassall, 22, Burghclere, rained down punches and kicks on the young woman. He then pulled out a 6cm folding knife and plunging it into her forehead.
Prosecutor Matthew Knight told Oxford Crown Court on Thursday that the vicious attack could have been worse had the victim not used her hands to prevent her ex from stabbing her in the neck.
Violent wounds
She received five stab wounds. Three to her head and two to her hands. In all, she required 26 stitches and as a result has permanent scars as a reminder of what Hassall did to her. Her skull was fractured.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Mr Knight, she said: “I feel what has happened has ruined my life. I was attacked in the street, in broad daylight. I don’t feel safe anymore. How can I?”
Unsafe and scared
The woman had to leave the courtroom while her statement was read aloud. She had still not recovered full movement in one of the fingers that was stabbed. She ‘hated’ her fingers, she said, and had got tattoos to try and cover them up.
The court was told that Hassall had arranged to meet with the woman near her home in Reading on November 24 last year.
Jealous about a new relationship she’d started, he was verbally abusive and, as they reached a bus stop on Wensley Road, made a grab for her coat and arm then punched her 10 to 15 times in the face and head.
A furious monster
Mr Knight said: “The victim described him as being furious at that point. She raised her hands to try and protect her face, to try and stop him but he pushed her hands down so he could continue to punch her.
“The victim fell to the floor. The defendant has then kicked her to the back of the head, neck and on her back, delivering repeated kicks to her.”
In and out of consciousness
He produced the knife, which he bought as a child, usually kept in his car door and had with him as he was concerned the woman’s area was ‘rather rough’, and stabbed at her. The knifing was caught on CCTV from a passing bus.
Neighbours came to the woman’s aid. Paramedics said she drifted in and out of consciousness, telling them she feared she would die.
Hassall fled the scene and was arrested behind the wheel of his car on the M40 later that day.
The motivation for the attack was detailed in a psychiatric report. Mr Knight summarised: “Seemingly unable to deal with the rejection [his victim] had given himand as a result he committed this vicious assault on her.”
Possession of an offensive weapon
In mitigation, Hassall was said to be of previous good character, the attack was out of character and he ‘bitterly regretted’ using the knife.
Character references described him as ‘quiet, gentle and kind’. He was suffering from depression at the time.
Hassall pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
Jailing him for two years and eight months, Judge Michael Gledhill QC said: “You quite deliberately took that knife out of the pocket of the car door and put it in your clothing”.
The verdict
“Firstly, you did that in case you needed it. Secondly, the explanation given through [your barrister] about you taking it because it was quite a rough area is nonsense. Finally, you did not take it to look after yourself in any defensive way. You took it in case you needed to use it and that is very much to your discredit.
“However bad your depression was, wherever you fall on the autism scale, however immature you are, you quite deliberately took that knife to use it if you thought it was necessary.”
A restraining order bans Hassall from contacting his victim for life.
How a polygraph test could have helped
In conclusion, victims of domestic abuse and attacks are now stepping forwards to ask Police to conduct more polygraph tests. Since police have put new measures in place to conduct lie detector tests on sex-offenders and abusers, crime rates have plummeted. Communities feel safer knowing abusers and offenders are now subject to regular polygraph testing as part of release terms.
The Maggie Oliver foundation works with women of sex and child abuse. You can find support and advice on the foundation’s website. If you suspect someone is a victim of sex abuse movement book a test online today. You can also call us on our free helpline on 07572 748364.
We provide confidential office appointments and home tests throughout South East England.
