BANBURY MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON GIRLFRIEND OUTSIDE PUB
A judge has labeled a man from Banbury as a ‘serial domestic abuser’ and described him as a ‘violent and manipulative bully’ after he violently stamped on his girlfriend’s head following a day of heavy drinking.The offender, Ashley Day, aged 38, hailing from Caernarvon Way, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday (May 14) for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and for breaching a restraining order.
He was caught on December 4 last year in Reading, outside the Beefeater pub in Southcote Lane, where he was seen stamping and kicking his girlfriend, Anna Needle.
He pleaded not guilty, claiming he was ‘helping her up’ from the ground, but was convicted after a trial at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.
During sentencing, Recorder James Hay stated: “You’re 38 years of age and have an atrocious record of previous offences against women.
You are a serial domestic abuser and a violent, manipulative bully.
There is no doubt your behaviour exceeds the threshold for custody.” It was revealed during the court proceedings that Day and his partner had been drinking in the pub all day.
Around 8 pm, while walking in Southcote Lane, Day began assaulting Needle, who lost consciousness during the attack.
She recalls Day biting her nose and finger.
Two witnesses from the pub testified that Day stamped on her two to three times and kicked her forcefully.
Blood was observed coming from her nose, prompting witnesses to intervene.
Emergency services attended, examining Ms.
Needle, while police arrested Day, who had returned to the pub afterward.
The court heard that Day has 28 convictions for 38 offences, including similar violent offences against women.
His lawyer, Bethan Chichester, argued that his violent behaviour might be learned from his traumatic childhood, but also noted that he has spent time in custody and is receiving help for alcohol and anger issues.
She added that he hopes to become a productive member of society and is seeking education.
During the sentencing, the judge told Day to stop looking at the public gallery, to which he responded, “It’s because I love her.”
