Man Prosecuted for Assaulting his Partner

A man from Wigan has been prosecuted for assaulting his partner, in front of her 6 year old son.

Incident

Wigan Magistrates’ Court heard how an argument broke out between Justin Phelan and Natalie Fenton, who had recently moved in together, when she asked to borrow some money in order to feed her son.

Sarah Perkins, prosecuting, told the court:

“The young boy was complaining about being hungry and as she was short of money, Miss Fenton asked the defendant if she could borrow some to get him something to eat.

“He became verbally abusive towards her in front of her son. He told her to leave the address but when she tried the door was locked. He went back into the room where she had poured a bowl of cereal for her son and he was eating it. The boy became upset when the defendant slammed the table near him, causing him to run screaming into the hallway.

“The defendant threw the cereal bowl into the hallway after him. The victim was so distraught she tried to leave and was putting her son’s coat on. The defendant picked up a photo frame and threw it in the direction of the victim and the young boy.

“She put the young boy behind her to try to protect him and threw the photo frame back at the defendant in order for them to escape. He grabbed her and slapped her in the face. The victim managed to escape with her son.”

Sentencing

The court heard that upon his arrest, Mr Phelan told police that he knew that slapping Miss Fenton was wrong, but he claimed that she had been hitting him in the months leading up to the incident.

Bob Toppin, defending, added:

“This was a violent incident but it was not sustained. He knows he needs help and the best advert for that is that he says so himself.”

After admitting assault by beating, Mr Phelan was sentenced to an eighteen month community order with a forty day rehabilitation community requirement. Mr Phelan was ordered to attend a ‘building better relationships’ programme and instructed to complete 180 hours’ of unpaid work. The 34 year old was also handed a five year restraining order and ordered to pay £50 in compensation, along with a £60 victim surcharge.

Abuse Claims – Expert Advice

Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in handling abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. Our Abuse & Criminal Injuries Department is headed by Greg Neill – Greg is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).

For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6888 or email

You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.

Source: Wigantoday.com