Legal News
Suspended sentence for man who headbutted partner in domestic violence attack (13 May 2015)
Date: 13/05/2015
A 35-year-old man from Newport in South Wales has pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, after he headbutted his partner when she returned home from a night out without him.
The South Wales Argus reports that Craig Mitchell of Rupert Brook Drive in Newport knocked his partner Lauren Young unconscious when she returned home on 12 April.
The court was told that Mitchell had become “possessive” after his relationship with his partner began to deteriorate – and had lifted her skirt to see if she was wearing underwear when she returned home from a social evening with colleagues.
In an impact statement, Ms Young said Mitchell’s attack on her had left her feeling “empty, disgusted and ashamed”. She added that could not believe he had taken things so far. Their relationship has now ended, the court was told.
Mr Mitchell’s defence lawyer said his client fully accepted the offence passed the custody threshold.
However, Judge M Powell QC said he was not convinced society would be served by locking Mitchell up and imposed an eight-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.
Judge Powell also imposed a restraining order, which will last indefinitely, which bars Mitchell from contacting Ms Young – and ordered him to pay
£340 in costs, as well as a surcharge of £100 and £500 in compensation to his former partner.
Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors
Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise victims of domestic violence on their rights under the law, including taking legal action to prevent an abusive partner from carrying out further domestic abuse, domestic violence on children or against elderly family members.
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For confidential and expert legal advice on tackling domestic abuse, call the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors Helpline on 07920 077054.