Darlington Man Sentenced After Attacking Partner with Yard Brush

A man named Michael Eyles attacked his partner, Barbara Smith, with a yard brush after returning home intoxicated. According to court reports, Eyles had a longstanding 14-year relationship with Miss Smith, which had faced issues related to his drinking habits. The incident occurred when Miss Smith rejected his advances. Prosecutor Toby Thomas stated that Eyles picked up a yard brush with both hands and struck her hard on the back of her head, causing her to feel blood rushing down her neck. Eyles's defense attorney, Chris Bunting, claimed that his client had only thrown the yard brush, which accidentally hit Miss Smith. The court heard that Eyles had sought assistance for his alcohol problem since the incident. Ultimately, magistrates sentenced Michael Eyles to a 12-month conditional discharge for the assault.