ROCKLAND, Maine — A 31-year-old Rockport man was sentenced Friday to 11 months in jail for assaulting his girlfriend and repeatedly coming in contact with her in violation of a court order.
Justice Daniel Billings accepted the plea in the case of Eldon Bennett despite an impassioned statement by the victim who said she feared Bennett would kill her when he gets out of jail.
The victim attended the hearing accompanied by a representative of New Hope for Women — a domestic violence education and prevention organization — and several other supporters.
“Eldon took away my dream of a happy life and instead now it is a nightmare for me and my son,” the woman said.
Bennett has two prior domestic assault convictions — one with a former girlfriend and one against the current victim in 2012. She said he had gone to counseling but nothing changed.
“He apologizes but his apologies don’t stop the beatings,” the woman said.
The latest felony domestic violence assault occurred on Thanksgiving morning. Bennett had been driving his Jeep around the yard while drunk and got the vehicle stuck. He then went inside the home and assaulted the woman.
The victim’s initial statement to police, according to the police affidavit, was that Bennett slapped her in the face and tried to spit on her. The victim said at Friday’s hearing, however, that the assault was much more severe and that he pulled her out of bed, slapped her, spit at her, kicked her in the ribs while she was on the floor and said horrible things to her. She said he threatened to shoot her and then shoot himself.
Bennett also called the victim, visited her at the house and then, while in jail for violating the bail conditions that prevented him from contacting her, sent letters to their 3-year-old son in which he had messages for the woman.
The sentence was three years with all but 11 months suspended followed by two years of probation.
Assistant District Attorney Christopher Fernald said the sentence was in line with similar cases. He also said that the victim’s statement to the court was much different than the one she gave to police on the night of the offense. He said she declined medical attention and told the officer she was fine.
The prosecutor said this discrepancy could have led to a not guilty verdict if the case had gone to trial.
Fernald also said there were no threats in any of the messages Bennett sent to her.
The victim had asked for a sentence of 10 years but Billings said a sentence of that severity would not be upheld on appeal based on case law.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.