Man Sentenced to Jail for Assaulting Girlfriend Who Subsequently Suffered a Fatal Painkiller Overdose

Kevin Courtney has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after assaulting his long-time girlfriend, Jessica Lewis, which ultimately led to her taking an overdose of painkillers prescribed for her injuries.

The court heard details of the assault, which took place after a disagreement in her Bridgend home concerning a dog from Courtney’s past relationship.

Ms. Lewis sustained severe facial injuries due to Courtney’s attack and was hospitalized. She was later prescribed painkillers and diazepam for her injuries, reports WalesOnline.

On February 28, she was admitted to the hospital after taking an overdose of her medication with paracetamol over a prolonged period, leading to significant liver damage. Despite being admitted to critical care, Ms. Lewis discharged herself twice, and on her return during the second time, she passed away.

The cause of her death was liver failure and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. While the court did not hold Courtney directly accountable for Ms. Lewis’s death, Judge Simon Mills noted that Courtney’s assault was among her last experiences.

The judge stated that due to the severity of the offenses, an immediate prison sentence was necessary. Courtney will serve half of his sentence in custody, after which he will be released on license.

Courtney, who had previous convictions including an alcohol-related road incident and harassment against his sister, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. Defense attorney David Pinnell highlighted Courtney’s struggles with addiction throughout his life and suggested a potential for rehabilitation.