High School Ex-Boyfriend Sued for Assault and Car Damage

Relationship Dynamics

• 💡 Mary Bish and Eric Hansen Jr. began dating in high school, with Mary claiming Eric became jealous and possessive.
• 📌 Mary stated Eric would accuse her of cheating and became controlling, pushing her away.
• ⚠️ Mary also mentioned she dropped out of high school two months after meeting Eric, struggling with credits.

The Assault Incident

• 🚗 On April 25th, Mary was driving Eric when an argument escalated over him skipping school.
• 💥 Mary claims Eric flicked her steering wheel, then later punched her dashboard before hitting her in the face, breaking her nose.
• 🚨 Eric Jr. admitted to punching the dashboard and said he instinctively threw his arm up, accidentally hitting Mary in the nose.
• 🩸 Mary testified she had blood everywhere and went to the hospital, filing a police report.

Defendant's Counterclaims

• ⚖️ Eric Jr. and his father denied the assault, with Eric Jr. claiming Mary punched him and gave him a black eye.
• 🗣️ The defendants countersued for defamation because Mary told people he hit her, and for harassment due to threats from Mary's mother.
• 🚫 The judge dismissed the harassment claim, finding the mother's reaction reasonable given the circumstances.

Court Ruling

• ✅ Eric Jr. was found guilty of disorderly conduct related to the incident, which he pleaded guilty to.
• 💰 The judge ruled in favor of Mary, awarding her $5,000 for assault and car damage.
• ❌ The judge dismissed the defamation counterclaim, stating Eric Jr. did hit Mary, whether accidentally or not.