Dewsbury man avoids jail after domestic assault in drunken rage

DEWSBURY MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN DRUNKEN RAGE

The man, Stephen Hartley, attacked his partner in a drunken rage while their children slept upstairs at their Thornhill home.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates' Court.

The incident took place late on May 24, with the victim stating she was slapped in the face during a heated argument.

Hartley, aged 31, said he slapped her, and he stayed at the address while the victim called police.

The couple have two children who did not witness the assault as they were asleep upstairs.

Prosecutor Vicky Trueman reported that the couple have a history of violence and drinking which often leads to arguments.

Hartley has no previous convictions.

During court proceedings, mitigation was presented that the drunken altercation had been ongoing over years, and Hartley admitted to striking his partner.

He stated: “He says he slapped her and stayed at the address whilst the complainant called police.” The court was told that Hartley wished to move on from the relationship, describing it as 'completely over,' and expressed a desire to make a fresh start.

The judge handed Hartley a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning he will not face punishment if he stays out of trouble for a year.

Hartley was also ordered to pay his ex £50 compensation, along with £85 in prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.