NORTHUMBERLAND MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT ON HEAVILY PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND
A disgraceful incident occurred when David Pledger, a 30-year-old man from Stakeford, violently assaulted his heavily pregnant girlfriend during an argument in her home.According to court reports, Pledger took exception to being asked to get out of bed and look after their baby while his partner was preparing to take their children to school.
He initially refused but eventually got up after she decided to leave with their infant.
During the confrontation, Pledger began shouting and swearing, then followed her outside her house in Bedlington.
The victim, who was over seven months pregnant and caring for their 10-month-old child, asked Pledger to leave and get ready to go to school.
In response, Pledger got into her face, poked her in the head, and then, in a violent outburst, rammed the front door into her stomach.
The woman managed to escape back inside but was left frightened and in pain, fearing for her unborn child's and her own safety.
Pledger was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty in Newcastle Magistrates' Court to charges of assault by beating and criminal damage.
The court heard that Pledger’s physical and emotional conduct had escalated, with the victim stating, "David could have really hurt me and our unborn child and I feel really frightened by his actions today." Despite his remorse and claims of overcoming drug addiction—specifically cannabis and cocaine—Pledger was sentenced to an 18-month community order, fined £100, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114.
The judge highlighted that Pledger’s anger and aggression posed a danger, especially during a pregnancy, noting, "She was getting the children ready for school and she was pregnant at the time.
You were woken up from bed and decided you were not going to help.
When you got up, the only emotions you displayed were anger, aggression and unpleasantness.
I understand why you did that, now.
You put her in danger by the way you acted." The court acknowledged Pledger's efforts to stop drug use and his remorse, which influenced the relatively lenient sentence.
