THUG BATTERED GIRLFRIEND WITH FLASH MOP IN FRONT OF THEIR BABY – AVOIDS JAIL
A thug who battered his girlfriend with a Flash speed mop in front of their baby has avoided jail after arguing he had mental health issues due to his use of cannabis.Lewis Royle-Williams, 20, who was drunk, repeatedly struck Kiera Washington on the temple, shoulder and back after an argument erupted at her home following a meal out together.
Miss Washington, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, managed to flee the house and was able to receive protection and help from neighbours.
She sustained a large red mark to her right shoulder and a large bruise to the middle of her back, plus swelling to her finger caused when she put out her hand to stop the assault.
It is thought the child was unharmed in the incident.
Royle-Williams said he was a 'regular user' of cannabis and had been 'struggling' with his mental health.
He is now actively seeking the help of his GP and has stopped smoking the drug.
He faced 36 weeks jail under sentencing guidelines after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Warrington Magistrates Court.
However, he was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months along with the requirement that he undertakes 120 hours of unpaid work and pays his partner £300 compensation.
The prosecutor stated that the victim and defendant had been in a relationship for around two years and have a child together.
On June 6, they had been out for a meal and a drink, though she was not drinking too much because she was looking after the child.
The defendant was drinking multiple drinks.
An argument ensued, during which he hit her with a Flash mop, hitting her to the temple and the back multiple times, and caught her fingers.
She managed to flee and received help.
The incident was in a domestic context and in alcohol influence.
Royle-Williams had no prior convictions, and his lawyer stated he has taken steps to improve his mental health, including stopping drug use and seeking medical help.
The judge commented on the severity of the injuries, the presence of a young child, and the defendant's intoxication, indicating a need for intervention and rehabilitation, but ultimately suspending his prison sentence.
