By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
A 57-year-old North Attleborough man arrested earlier this month for allegedly assaulting his fiancee was ordered held without bail for up to 120 days, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas 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, according to a statement from the DA’s office. 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.
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.
On April 15 North Attleborough Police responded to a report of a male allegedly assaulting a female in the area of High Street. When police arrived, they found the 62-year-old female victim crying and with blood around her mouth. She told police that she was in an argument with the defendant over not wanting to give him cigarettes and alcohol.
“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,” said Quinn in a statement. “This is clearly someone who does not belong out on the street at this time. The victim must be protected from this defendant.”
The victim told police that Hayes allegedly punched her in the mouth and made a fist and a motion going towards her face, and kicked her while she was on the ground. The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The victim showed police bruises on her chest and stomach where she said two days prior, the defendant had hit her with a TV remote.