News Booze-filled night leads to assault
A man assaulted his partner twice within the space of a few hours after an argument about a mobile phone, a court heard on Friday.
Gary Nicholls (32), of Chestnut Avenue, Airmyn, appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating, and one of criminal damage.
Prosecutor Andrew Stirling told the court Mr Nicholls assaulted his then partner twice in the early hours of September 30.
He said Mr Nicholls and the victim went out together on September 29, going to a number of pubs and finally to Hartley's.
In the night club, Mr Stirling said, Mr Nicholls pushed his partner, who then slapped him in the face.
Mr Nicholls remained in the night club and continued drinking, while the victim went home.
Around 3am, Mr Nicholls went back to his partner's house, but was unable to get in. He smashed a window to gain entry.
His partner was in bed, and an argument broke out when she woke up.
"The defendant accepts that he was pushing the victim as she was trying to get out of bed," Mr Stirling said.
The argument continued downstairs, with the defendant pushing the victim away, and punching her twice in the face. She suffered cuts, scratches and swelling as a result.
Police later arrested Mr Nicholls, who originally denied the assault charges.
Defending, David Branscombe said that both Mr Nicholls and the complainant had been drinking, and an argument had broken out when she revealed she had lost his mobile phone.
"The phone allows his employer to contact him - he is sometimes needed at the drop of a hat," said Mr Branscombe.
"He accepts he pushed the victim away from him," he said.
The court heard that the victim had then got into another fight, and had been asked to leave, while Mr Nicholls was allowed to remain.
At the house the victim had left her key in the door. Mr Nicholls picked up a plant pot and smashed the window.
"She was incensed," he said.
The court heard that Mr Nicholls had already paid £550 as compensation for the damage.
"In the cold light of day, when he was sober, he recognised the error of his actions," Mr Branscombe said.
A character reference from Mr Nicholls' employer described him as hard-working, honest and reliable.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a report to be prepared and granted him conditional bail until his next hearing on February 26.
Published on 7th February 2008 in News.
Add to: Digg | del.icio.us | Reddit
Comments
There are currently no comments
Comment
All comments are subject to moderation (during normal office hours) and may be amended.
Email addresses are required for administration purposes only.
By contributing your comments, you accept our terms and conditions.