6-time SC domestic violence abuser sentenced to a decade in prison
A man described as a serial abuser has been sentenced to a decade in prison after being convicted of domestic violence for the sixth time.
John Henry Davenport Jr., 39, on Thursday was convicted of first-degree domestic violence in Newberry County, the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced in a news release. Circuit Judge Craig Brown handed down the maximum sentence allowed by South Carolina law for the crime: 10 years.
Davenport’s latest domestic crime was in October 2018, when the victim called 911 to report being assaulted by Davenport, according to the Solicitor’s Office. After the victim found a safe place to stay that night, Davenport showed up at that house and assaulted the victim again. Davenport was arrested after fleeing the scene.
Davenport had been convicted of domestic violence in multiple counties five times previously. Because of his previous convictions, his most recent charge was elevated to first-degree from third-degree domestic violence.
“This case is a prime example of how the new sentencing enhancements for repeat domestic abusers are having a real impact,” Solicitor David Stumbo said in the news release announcing Davenport’s sentencing. “Our citizens have grown weary of criminals like John Davenport, and their lifestyle of violence to instill fear in women. The law enforcement community hopes that this conviction and long sentence sends a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated any longer.”
South Carolina consistently is one of the most worst states in America when it comes to domestic violence and is particularly dangerous for female victims. In 2019, South Carolina was ranked the sixth-worst state among rates of women murdered by men, the Associated Press reported.
This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 8:48 AM.
