Lower Gornal man given suspended sentence after domestic assault

A 32-year-old man from Lower Gornal, Aaron Rowbottom, was involved in an incident where he grabbed his girlfriend in a headlock and then struck her with multiple blows after a period of heavy drinking and heroin use. Witnesses observed a distressed and crying Susan Scott on Stourbridge Road, who was chased by Rowbottom after she attempted to run away. Once he caught her, he held her head in a lock and assaulted her before she managed to break free and escape. The court heard that Rowbottom was clearly under the influence of drugs at the time, with little recollection of the events following his arrest. He admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for 18 months. Rowbottom has a history of violence and was also ordered to be under supervision for a year. Judge Michael Challinor commented on the heavy drinking involved and noted that Susan Scott bore some responsibility for the argument, with her also not wanting to support the prosecution. The incident highlights issues of domestic violence and substance abuse.