HORDEN MAN SLAPPED FORMER PARTNER ACROSS THE FACE
A heavily intoxicated man struck his ex-partner across the face, resulting in a broken nose and black eyes.Benjamin Chisholm assaulted the woman after she expressed concern about his unpredictable conduct while they were drinking at her residence.
The 31-year-old then damaged a television when he stormed out, the court heard.
Prosecutor Paul Doney explained that the couple had been drinking at Dancing Betty in Murton before going to her home to continue their drinks.
He stated, “The injured party started to worry about his behaviour and moved to the kitchen to get away from him, fearing he might lose control.
He then followed her and committed the assault.” The court was also told that when Chisholm was apprehended, he acknowledged slapping his former partner but did not realize how severe her injuries were.
The woman had swelling and bruising around both eyes and a broken nose.
Chisholm, residing on Noble Street, Horden, County Durham, pleaded guilty to charges of assault and criminal damage when he was arrested on November 22 of the previous year.
During mitigation, Emily Baker-Harrington explained, “He has been truthful from the start.
He admitted his wrongdoing and took responsibility.
He was candid that alcohol fueled the incident.” Turning to the magistrates, the father of four stated, “I want to clarify that’s not the real me.
I no longer drink—I work and go home.
After what happened, I’ve decided not to drink again.” Magistrates’ Chair Pamela Ross ordered a two-year community order, including 25 days of rehabilitative activities.
She remarked, “This was shameful behaviour—completely unacceptable—and you have harmed someone you once loved.
It’s not just her physical injuries that will take time to heal; she will also have to live with what happened to her.”
