DRUGS, VIOLENCE, AND A SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE FOR ABUSIVE PARTNER
Christopher Bolton, a 45-year-old man, was involved in a violent domestic incident while under the influence of amphetamines, which he admitted had been a drug he had used for the past 15 years.The court heard that he sprayed his girlfriend with a garden hose and strangled her, actions he claimed were provoked by her calling him 'a paedo' due to her being only 20 years old.
Bolton pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating during his trial.
Prosecutor Emily Jenkings described the attacks as "desperately unpleasant violence" and noted that Bolton argued he was angry because the victim knew how to push his buttons.
Despite his claims of not being brought up to be violent towards women, the court was told that he became aggressive after a heated argument on October 10 and again on November 30, where he punched his partner three times, pinned her down, and strangled her for 10 seconds.
Bolton has an extensive criminal record with 18 prior convictions, the last from 2015 for burglary.
The judge, Michael Fanning, considered his lack of previous violence convictions and his change of plea, which avoided the victim having to testify, and just suspended a 23-week jail sentence for a year.
Bolton was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation and 160 hours of unpaid work, and was also given a 12-month restraining order banning contact with the victim or entry to her street.
Additionally, he was required to pay £320 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
