Alleged domestic abuser found dangerous, held without bail after fiancee left bleeding

A 57-year-old North Attleboro man arrested earlier this month for assaulting his fiancee in the presence of other witnesses was found dangerous by an Attleboro District Court Judge and ordered held without bail for up to 120 days, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Joseph K. Hayes was found dangerous by Judge Michele Armour on April 24 after a dangerousness hearing was held the day prior. The defendant was arraigned on April 16 on charges of Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member, Assault and Battery on a Disabled Person Over 60 Years of Age, and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon.

On April 15 North Attleboro Police responded to a report of a male assaulting a female in the area of High Street. When police arrived, they found the 62-year-old female victim visibly crying and with blood around her mouth. She reported to police that she was in a disagreement with the defendant over not wanting to give him cigarettes and nip bottles of alcohol. She indicated that the defendant punched her in the mouth and made a fist and a motion going towards her face. The defendant is also alleged to have kicked the victim while she was on the ground. The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment, where she also complained of pain near the back of her head. The victim also showed police bruises – on her chest and stomach – where she said two days prior, the defendant had hit her with a tv remote.

The defendant had recently been released from incarceration in February and has a significant history of domestic violence, mostly in Worcester and Plymouth counties.

The dangerousness hearing was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Henry Sousa.

“The defendant punched the victim in the mouth simply because she wouldn’t give him cigarettes and alcohol. He just recently got out of jail and has a significant history of domestic violence. This is clearly someone who does not belong out on the street at this time. The victim must be protected from this defendant.,” District Attorney Quinn said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. All charges against the defendant are allegations at this time.