Alleged Taunton Domestic Batterer Held Without Bail

A 35-year-old Taunton man who allegedly strangled the mother of his child until she lost consciousness was found dangerous and ordered held without bail for up to 120 days, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

Nicholas Rahwan is charged with assault and battery on a family or household member and with strangulation.  A virtual dangerousness hearing was conducted April 22 before Judge Neil Hourhihan with Assistant District Attorney Kolleen Reddington prosecuting the case.

On April 19, Taunton police were dispatched to a White Street apartment. There a woman told police Rahwan had been drinking heavily. She said she took their child from his arms and told him she was leaving for the night. She said that's when the defendant came at her from behind and squeezed her neck before she passed out. Officers said they noted redness and swelling around the woman's neck.

"The defendant went into a rage and strangled the victim because the victim took their son out of his arms due to his drunken state. Under any circumstances, this conduct is not acceptable," DA Quinn said in a statement. "The defendant needs to be kept off the street to protect the victim and the child."