MAN LEAVES EX WITH STITCHES AFTER BRUTALLY ATTACKING HER IN FRONT OF FOUR YOUNG CHILDREN
George Clayton told his ex-partner: "You will need to call the police to get me out of here." A father of four inflicted serious harm on his former partner, leaving her with stitches and hair loss after attacking her in front of their four young children a disturbing incident.Clayton caused chaos as his children screamed during the assault on Donna Burgess, who was preparing tea for their children aged 3 to 13.
The 43-year-old, with prior history of attacking Ms Burgess, became irrationally jealous after she asked him to leave her Fairfield home, court proceedings disclosed.
He accused her of expecting a male visitor before assaulting her in plain sight of the children.
Prosecutor Brian Treadwell revealed Clayton from Walton’s Robarts Road, struck Ms Burgess across the face and pulled her hair, causing her to fall.
He said, "She asked him again to leave and threatened to call the police and he replied, ‘You are going to have to call the police to get me out of here’ and then assaulted her by grabbing her by the hair again.
“This time he was pulling her towards the kitchen causing clumps of hair to fall out.
One of the younger children was screaming and ran upstairs.” Attempting to scare him away, Ms Burgess asked her ten-year-old to call 999, but Clayton was unfazed.
It was then that Clayton punched her in the face twice, resulting in cuts above her eyebrows, with blood flowing from the wounds.
Seeing her injuries, Clayton seemed to become worried and fled the scene, prompting her to call emergency services.
Police arrived to find her distressed and visibly injured; it was clear the children were aware of what had occurred.
Clayton and Ms Burgess had been together for 17 years before separating two years prior to this incident on July 26.
Their children, aged 3 to 13, lived with her, and while Clayton maintained a good relationship with them, he visited regularly.
In the days leading to the assault, Clayton spoke of personal improvements, but she made it clear they were not enough for reconciliation.
On the day, Clayton came with two cans of lager, despite her plea not to drink at home.
He refused her offer of lemonade, claiming he was only “sipping” from the cans.
He then asked whether she was leaving or expecting a male visitor, which surprised her.
His mood worsened when she responded to calls from her mother and a friend.
He pulled her back into the kitchen, and shortly after she asked him to leave, the violence erupted.
Police quickly found and arrested Clayton, who remained silent during questioning.
The injuries to Ms Burgess included five stitches on one eyebrow and three on the other, scars still visible today.
He pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding on the day of trial, receiving a 16-month sentence and a two-year no-contact order.
Judge Brian Cummings, QC, noted this was domestic violence occurring in a home with children present.
With 11 prior convictions including assault on the same victim and drug offences, Clayton’s sentencing reflected his criminal record.
His solicitor, Desmond Lennon, stated Clayton understood the seriousness but chose to plead guilty to avoid causing further trauma for the victim.
He also mentioned Clayton’s alcohol issues and his rehabilitation efforts, acknowledging that jealousy led to the violent act, for which Clayton expressed remorse.
