2008: CAFE OWNER JAILED FOR A YEAR AFTER BEATING EX WIFE
A cafe owner from South Warwickshire assaulted his estranged wife, causing a fracture to her collarbone, after entering her home unannounced and discovering her with another man.During the hearing at Warwick Crown Court, David Gomez, who operates Cafe Rico in Shipston — a business he founded with his wife — received a 12-month prison sentence.
Gomez, aged 36 and residing on New Street, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his wife, Sarah Sweeney, and to common assault on Thomas Bradley.
Prosecutor Sarah Allen detailed that in February, Gomez and Miss Sweeney, after nine years together and having separated, attended a party in Shipston.
Miss Sweeney left with Mr Bradley and returned to her nearby residence.
Gomez reportedly entered her home without permission, and upon seeing her with Mr Bradley, became agitated and assaulted him, resulting in a small bump on his forehead.
When Gomez’s anger was redirected toward Miss Sweeney, he followed her into her bathroom, pushed her, and caused her to fall against the bath, fracturing her collarbone.
The judge noted Sweeney also claimed to have fractured her wrist, but her physician's evidence did not confirm this.
Neighbors hearing the disturbance called the police, leading Gomez to admit to the assault and to verbally abuse Miss Sweeney during the incident.
Gomez explained he had used keys he kept after their breakup to access her home.
The couple, who share a young daughter, married five years prior after moving from London to the Cotswolds and opening Café Rico in Shipston.
Gomez also works with a web design firm named Cotswold Media.
Tensions had been rising before their separation, which was finalized before the incident.
On the evening when the altercation occurred, Gomez and Miss Sweeney continued to argue while working at the café, and later he found her with Mr Bradley at her mother's former address.
Gomez’s defense acknowledged the incident’s severity, emphasizing his remorse and requesting a suspended sentence to prevent the café's closure.
However, Judge Pyke stressed that the violence resulting in her injuries warranted immediate imprisonment, as no lesser penalty could be justified.
