Barrie Fowler
Strangulation *
Sentence
2 years suspended sentence, 100 hours unpaid work, and 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement
Barrie Fowler subjected his partner to a series of violent attacks while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. In May 2023, while on holiday in Tunisia and with the victim pregnant, he confined her in a bathroom, bit her thumb causing a wound, dragged her by the arm causing bruising, and pushed her on the balcony. In July 2023, he grabbed her by the neck, strangled her against a wall for five to six seconds making it hard for her to breathe, and threatened her. In September or October 2023, he raised a clenched fist as if to hit her and punched a door, causing it to splinter. In August 2024, he became abusive, wished he had killed her, and damaged a staircase, injuring her leg. The victim reported emotional harm, loss of confidence, and changes to her self-esteem.
Pleaded guilty to the offences. The victim withdrew her support and begged the judge not to imprison him, stating he has changed after giving up alcohol and cocaine. Judge Sarah Mallett noted he is remorseful, capable of being a good parent, and acknowledged his behaviour as appalling.