DRUNK ARMY RESERVIST ASSAULTED PARTNER IN THEIR DURHAM HOME
A drunk army reservist is facing being kicked out after being convicted of assaulting his partner.Jonathan Millington was accused of attacking his victim in their Durham home in March last year.
The 45-year-old was found guilty of assault by beating following a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.
Yetunde Alake, prosecuting, said the defendant was a heavy drinker and his former partner would receive abuse if she tried to raise any concerns about his behaviour, adding he would call her a ‘lunatic’ for wanting to help him.
In a victim personal statement, the woman wrote: “I can’t remember the last time I felt safe in my own home.
He is regularly drunk and I fear for my safety.
I don’t know what he is going to do next.
It’s like walking on eggshells.
I have given him many chances to stop his drunken behaviour.” The court heard how the defendant would urinate himself when he was drunk and would react angrily to his partner challenging his behaviour.
Millington, of Griffiths Close, Yarm but formerly of Durham, was convicted of one charge of assault by beating and acquitted of a second charge following a trial at the same court in November.
Neil Douglas, mitigating, said his client has been an army reservist for 25 years and had served in conflict zones during that time.
He said Millington faces being kicked out of the reserves if he is sentenced to anything other than a fine for his conviction.
The court heard how the couple’s relationship was breaking down when he assaulted his partner on March 1 last year and they were in the midst of divorce proceedings.
William Unsworth, the chairman of the bench, sentenced Millington to a 12-month community order with 27 rehabilitation activity requirement days attached and made subject to a two-year restraining order.
He said: “You definitely need some help and you will get it through the suspended sentence.” He was ordered to pay £250 compensation and a further £764 towards court costs.
