DRUNK CHEF SMITH GETS SUSPENDED JAIL AFTER VIOLENT ASSAULT ON GIRLFRIEND

A drunken chef named Stephen Smith, aged 36, was found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend, Claire Spooner, at her home in Amesbury on the night of August 24. The court heard that Smith had undressed and entered Ms Spooner’s bed, but she became upset after smelling what she believed was another woman's perfume. Prosecutor James Burnham stated that Smith then punched her repeatedly in the head without warning. After he punched her again, Ms Spooner managed to escape downstairs and barricaded herself in the living room. When police arrived, Smith was aggressive, shouting and lunging at the officers. He also picked up an object from the table, which one officer thought was a knife. Police had to Taser him to subdue his angered state, during which he continued to swear at officers and Ms Spooner. Smith later represented himself at Salisbury Magistrates Court, apologizing and admitting there was 'no excuse' for his actions, although he said he did not remember the events clearly. Magistrate Simon Browning described the incident as 'particularly unpleasant,' highlighting Smith's drunken state and domestic assault. Consequently, Smith received a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a £650 court cost and a £116 victim surcharge.