GARY HOLDAWAY SENTENCED IN SLEAFORD FOR VIOLENT ATTACK

Gary Holdaway, 32, arrived at the home of his partner's mother and sister in Sleaford after being locked out of his own residence. Lincoln Crown Court was told that the couple had been arguing throughout the day, and that Holdaway's partner had gone to her mother's house with their three children, upset that he had gone out drinking on Valentine’s Day.

Prosecutor Sam Lowne stated, "Holdaway ignored requests to cease messaging his partner and also sent an insensitive message about another family member."

He explained that after arriving at the address around midnight, Holdaway became involved in a heated argument with several family members. During the incident, Holdaway admitted to assaulting his partner, her mother, and his partner's sister. He also confessed to swinging a punch at the boyfriend of his partner's sister.

According to Mr. Lowne, Holdaway grabbed one of the women by the breast and hit her with an uppercut. The court also heard that a male neighbour tried to intervene and attempt a citizen's arrest but was struck by Holdaway. The neighbour described how Holdaway punched his partner so hard that "she came off her feet,” and added, “she may have been unconscious before hitting the ground.”

Holdaway, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one charge of assault by beating, and one count of common assault, all on February 14.

In police interviews, Holdaway initially claimed he went to the property for an argument and said his partner fell to the floor by accident. However, when presented with the prosecution's account, he admitted he could not remember anything after consuming alcohol and cocaine.

Defence solicitor Anna Soubry acknowledged that prison time was likely but suggested a suspended sentence could be appropriate. She explained, "He has been in custody since these incidents and has now learned his lesson. He has three certificates from prison and has worked in the family window cleaning business. He has also written a letter of apology to the court."

Reading from his letter in court, Mr. Holdaway admitted, "I am a family man whose life has been blighted by drink and drugs. I can do so much in the community if given a second chance. What I did that night is totally inexcusable."

Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight expressed her concerns, stating, "I am not satisfied he is suitable for community rehabilitation. The incident lasted about 30 minutes. Fortunately, the children were asleep, but others in the community witnessed it. This was a prolonged attack where you assaulted everyone nearby, including a neighbour trying to keep the peace."