2010: DUDLEY MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULTS ON EX PARTNER
A 22-year-old man from Dudley, identified as Stephen Ward and residing on Hilary Crescent, has received a 15-month prison sentence for a series of assaults on his partner.Throughout their relationship, he repeatedly punched and slapped Danielle Smith.
One incident involved him punching her in the face while she was holding their baby, and another occurred when she was driving with their child in the back seat.
Following his arrest, Ward admitted to harassment and expressed remorse to police, stating he was ashamed but insisting he did not hit her daily.
During sentencing, Recorder Nicholas Cartwright remarked on Ward’s pattern of violence, emphasizing his frequent slapping and punching.
The judge described the case as a series of assaults on a vulnerable woman, noting that Ward struck her both during her pregnancy and after the birth of their child.
Although Ward, who had a good reputation prior to this, claimed his actions were out of character and that the relationship was no longer sustainable, the prosecutor, Shane Crawford, pointed out that Miss Smith was the mother of Ward’s son and that his violence was a recurrent issue, often followed by insincere apologies.
In one attack, he punched her causing her head to snap back.
Additionally, Ward received an indefinite restraining order forbidding any contact with Miss Smith and entry to her residence.
