2015: WORCESTER MAN CHRISTOPHER MCMANUS WHO BLAMED EX-GIRLFRIEND FOR FIGHT JAILED
A MAN who tried to blame his ex-girlfriend for a fight in which he punched her in the face and kneed her in the groin has been jailed.Christopher McManus of Burford Close, Warndon, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, May 1 after previously admitting assaulting his former partner Donette Croft on Wednesday, October 29 last year.
Prosecutor Owen Beale told the court a member of the public had called police at about 8.40pm after seeing the two fighting on a footpath.
But he said both had refused to cooperate with police and 29-year-old McManus had refused to answer officer’s questions.
Susie Duncan, defending, said the two had been together for roughly seven and a half years, but described their relationship as “onoff ”.
She added McManus, who had leukaemia, had served about two months in jail at the start of 2015 for a case of criminal damage committed in December 2014 and during that time the relationship had come to an end.
“He did not want their relationship to end,” she said.
“He is still very much in love with her.
But he is not a well man.
“He clearly has a drink problem and he does acknowledge that.” But Deputy District Judge Jim Tindall said this was a serious attack, saying he was particularly concerned in MacManus’ initial interview with the probation service he had tried to blame Miss Croft for the fight.
“I fully accept that you are not well,” he said.
“I do not doubt that is a cause of stress to you and I fully believe this is why you drink.
But that does not get away from the fact that you have over a number of years got yourself into the habit of using violence.
You may now today present genuine remorse but this is an example of locking the door after the horse has bolted.
“It’s your attitude that has left me little choice but to impose an immediate custodial sentence.” Handing McManus, who was accompanied to court by his mother, a 12-week prison sentence Mr Tindall said: “I would hope you will feel when you come out that the decks have been cleared and you have a fresh start.
“I am well aware that it’s one of those relationships where people blow hot and cold.
This is to remind you that your relationship has brought you and her little but trouble.”
