Hedge End man found guilty of assaulting partner by sitting on her head

HEDGE END MAN FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULTING PARTNER BY SITTING ON HER HEAD

A man sat on his partner's head for "what felt like forever" and still maintains innocence after being found guilty at trial.

Wayne Mackenzie, 57, of Laburnum House, Hedge End, was convicted following a trial of assaulting his then partner, Rachael Larbalestier.

The offence occurred on June 16, 2024, and Mackenzie was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Ryan Seneviratne described that the couple, who had been living together, had been drinking and returned home after a dispute.

Mackenzie had been throwing items around the kitchen, prompting Ms Larbalestier to move to the lounge, where she lay on the sofa.

Mackenzie then entered, took a cushion, and sat on her head for about 30 seconds.

Ms Larbalestier said in a statement: "It felt like forever.

I was scared and trying to push him off me.

I am scared to leave my house knowing he is close by." Despite the conviction, Mackenzie maintains his innocence and claims the victim fabricated the story, intending to appeal.

He has been given a nine-month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and fined £180, in addition to a surcharge of £114 and costs of £100.

He is also prohibited from contacting Ms Larbalestier for three years.