Pittsfield Man Convicted on Domestic Violence Charge

A Pittsfield man has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted in a domestic violence case. According to a media release from the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, a conviction was secured in a severe domestic violence case through evidence-based prosecution on Tuesday.

According to the media release, 47 year old Christopher Corley, of Pittsfield, pled guilty to single counts of assault and battery on a household member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, resisting arrest, and threat to commit a crime. Judge Mark Pasquariello sentenced Corley to serve two years at the Berkshire County House of Correction.

Pittsfield Police responded to an ongoing domestic disturbance on February 15, 2020, when Corley punched, strangled, and struck the victim with a hammer. The victim later indicated an intent to invoke the 5th Amendment privilege and refuse to testify at trial.

The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office relied on a 911 call, photographs of victim’s injuries, medical records, evidence collected at the scene, and reports from neighbors who heard the incident in presenting the Commonwealth’s plea to the Court.

I thank the Pittsfield Police Department for its response and investigation, which was critical to my office’s securing this conviction… This conviction demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and should dissuade abusers from preying on vulnerable victims. ~ District Attorney Andrea Harrington

The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office says that it is working diligently to fairly resolve cases in spite of the present interruption of jury trials. This recent conviction reflects both the priority the office places on prosecuting domestic violence and justly resolving cases amid the pandemic.