ILKESTON MAN BLAMES HEAD INJURY FOR DRUNKEN ASSAULT ON PARTNER
A man blamed a head injury for a drunken attack when he punched his partner and shoved her through a glass panel.Nottingham Crown Court heard on Tuesday (November 19) that Ian-Hamilton Edmunds had an accident in 2009 which left him with a short memory.
This caused him problems in understanding how alcohol would affect him, said Siward James-Moore, mitigating.
'When he is cooking a meal, it must take less than five minutes to cook or he will wander and burn it,' said Mr James-Moore.
'He has in his house put up signs to turn off the lights, turn off the gas.
He is not allowed to work because of his condition.' Judge James Sampson commented: 'It doesn't stop him drinking though, does it?' Mr James-Moore said: 'He has a lack of appreciation and knowledge where that drink would lead him on that night.' Edmunds was described as having no grudge against the woman, who wishes to resume their relationship.
The court was told Edmunds and his partner had been together for three years, during which they went drinking in Ilkeston town centre.
After consuming four pints, Edmunds assaulted her, punching her repeatedly and pushing her head through a glass window panel, which shattered.
She ran outside in her pajamas, but he followed her and assaulted her again in the street.
The police were called after she ran to a neighbor's house.
Edmunds recalled being given drinks to 'cheer him up' but could not remember how much he drank, feeling hazy.
The judge imposed a one-year prison sentence, suspended for 21 months, and ordered him to attend 25 sessions addressing his issues.
Edmunds also admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm on August 26 and must attend additional sessions as part of his probation.
The judge emphasized that his injury and drinking were aggravating factors, noting his awareness of his father's alcoholism and his own condition.
