MAN WHO BEAT HIS PARTNER IN FRONT OF CHILDREN AVOIDS PRISON

A MAN who beat up his partner of 14 years in front of their children on his son’s birthday has been spared prison.Kidlington man Gavin Ashton assaulted Jenna Bayliss at their home in Cherwell Avenue in January. This incident occurred just three days after he was handed a three-month suspended prison sentence for stealing a scooter.Gavin Ashton, aged 29, avoided jail again after admitting to the charge of common assault. Instead of imprisonment, his three-month sentence was suspended for an additional 18 months at Oxford Crown Court. Prosecutor Daniel Bunting described the incident, stating, “The victim asked where he was going on his son’s birthday and asked if he was going to see another woman and he said ‘yes’.” Miss Bayliss reportedly then threw food packaging at Ashton, who reacted violently by punching her on the right side of her head. Further, Ashton punched her on several occasions after being asked to leave.In his defense, Robert Lindsey stated that Ashton had been with his partner since he was 15 and that they have four children together. He also mentioned that the event details were unclear due to inconsistent accounts from the victim and noted that his client had since moved to North Devon.Judge Ian Pringle emphasized that assault within the home is more serious than street violence, describing Ashton's actions as “a shameful thing to do.” Ashton was ordered to complete a two-year supervision order and attend the Building Better Relationships program.