DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER BENJAMIN WOMACK GETS GUILTY PLEA
A woman sustained injuries after being attacked by her boyfriend, Benjamin Womack.During the assault, Womack threw a plant pot at her window and bombarded her with unwanted calls and texts.
The victim, aged 26, had been in a relationship with Womack for seven months; they had separated and later decided to reconcile, with her allowing him to return to her Longwood home.
On August 17, Womack was already at her property when she returned from walking her dog, and an argument ensued over his children from a previous relationship.
The prosecuting lawyer, Mr Blackburn, stated: “The defendant has tried to cuddle her and she believed he wanted to initiate sex with her.” He further detailed that Womack attempted to collect his belongings and leave, but then came downstairs into the living room and grabbed her by the throat.
Although this did not cause injury, Womack slapped her twice in the face, bruising her eyes, and pushed her onto the sofa, causing injuries including bleeding from her earlobes where her earrings cut into her skin.
When police arrived, Womack had left in a taxi but returned the next morning to collect his belongings, though he was not allowed in.
Womack, of Blackmoorfoot Road, was subsequently arrested, bailed, and ordered not to enter Longwood or contact the victim.
He is also subject to an electronically-monitored curfew from 7 pm to 7 am.
Womack initially denied charges of assault, criminal damage, and harassment but later pleaded guilty on the day of the trial at Kirklees Magistrates' Court.
The victim and Womack had a disputed account of the incident; Womack claimed she reached over and grabbed his dressing gown, then he pushed her in the face with both hands, asserting that he used unreasonable and excessive force.
The case will be sentenced on December 5, after a probation report considering all options, including custody.
In the meantime, Womack must adhere to bail conditions.
The article notes Womack's history of similar offenses involving another partner.
