Separate domestic violence cases result in prison sentences

Two separate legal proceedings involving domestic violence have resulted in prison sentences for the defendants.

In Hardeeville, Kendrick Shanard Smoaks, 33, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by probation. Smoaks pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and first-degree domestic violence. The charges stem from an incident where Smoaks attempted to choke his girlfriend and seize her phone in the presence of a 3-year-old child.

In Calvinia, South Africa, Andrew Swartz, 43, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and breaching a protection order. Swartz attacked a 26-year-old woman, stabbing her multiple times in the arm and hand while she attempted to shield herself. The court also declared Swartz unfit to possess a firearm.