MAN SPARED JAIL FOR COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR AND ASSAULT
A man received a lenient sentence after a jury convicted him of coercive conduct and assault.Paul Brunton, residing on Chester Road in Gresford, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday morning to be sentenced.
The 38-year-old was convicted of controlling and coercive behavior, along with a common assault, following a trial.
David Mainstone, prosecuting, presented a statement from the victim, describing how Brunton's actions caused significant emotional distress and instilled fear.
The court was informed that the incidents occurred in Chester and other parts of North Wales.
Maria Masselis, defending, referred the court to a detailed and "positive" pre-sentence report which, she said, enabled the court to consider an alternative to immediate custody.
She said: "I acknowledge that the court can't extend any credit to the defendant because there were no guilty pleas.
"But the court will remember that in fact many of the particulars of the controlling and coercive behaviour were admitted by the defendant right from the police interview.
"He did not accept they crossed the line of criminality." Ms Masselis asked the court to bear in mind the delay in the case - with two trial fixtures being vacated through no fault of her client.
Judge Timothy Petts told the defendant he had reached the conclusion it would be better in the long term for Brunton to be punished in the community and to carry out work to ensure he did not repeat the behaviour in future.
He handed down a 21 month custodial sentence, but suspended it for 21 months.
As part of the sentence, Brunton must pay £2,500 compensation to his victim, as well as carrying out 250 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.
