2009: Oldbury man jailed for hitting girlfriend with bottle

2009: OLDBURY MAN JAILED FOR HITTING GIRLFRIEND WITH BOTTLE

A man from Oldbury received a 26-week prison sentence after assaulting his partner with a frozen water bottle and subsequently throwing it through a window at their home.

Recorder Colin Goodier described the act as involving a deadly weapon and noted that only luck prevented more serious injury.

The 37-year-old, Michael Clarke, who has a history of violence, especially towards women he was involved with, was sentenced to immediate imprisonment.

However, the judge was moved by a letter from Rachel Mee, Clarke’s girlfriend, indicating support and reconciliation.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court, he acknowledged that the incident was impulsive rather than planned.

Clarke, residing on Dingle Street, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Mrs Kanwal Juss told the court that the couple had been together for over two years.

She explained that Miss Mee asked Clarke to leave after suspecting he was unfaithful following a night of drinking, which led to him hitting her with the frozen water bottle and damaging a window with it.

Police officers, after arresting Clarke, confirmed that the bottle was solid from being frozen.

Clarke admitted he was frustrated and broke the window during the incident.

Defence lawyer Miss Sharonjit Bahia expressed remorse on behalf of Clarke and noted that no further violence occurred after the argument, which stemmed from alcohol consumption.