GARETH HARPER

OFFENDER JAILED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULTS ON PARTNER AND HER FRIEND

A man named Gareth Harper has been sentenced to jail after attacking his partner for the second time.

Previously, in January, he received a community order for grabbing her around the neck during a dispute over drugs.

Just two months after that, he assaulted her again by headbutting her in the street when she tried to help a friend he had attacked earlier for interfering.

The court sentenced Harper to 22 weeks in prison, with Deputy District Judge Hales stating, "You used your head as a weapon in public." The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating in Kirklees Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Vicky Trueman stated that by March 9, Harper had already appeared in court for hurting her.

That night, they argued while drinking in Cleckheaton, and when the partner's friend intervened, Harper threw her into the road.

When she ran to aid her friend, Harper grabbed her by the shoulders and headbutted her, causing bleeding.

Harper walked off indifferent about her condition.

He claimed to have lost his temper after discovering she contacted her dealer to buy cocaine.

His lawyer, Ian Whiteley, admitted Harper was in a tough spot as he was already on a community order for the prior assault when he attacked again.

Whiteley suggested Harper's actions were not deliberate and attributed the violence to binge drinking, noting that arguments often ended in violence.

Judge Hales responded that the offence was very serious, implying only custody was appropriate.

Harper will also have to pay a £115 victim surcharge upon release.