WAKEFIELD MAN AVOIDS PRISON AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK ON EX-GIRLFRIEND
A Wakefield man was spared incarceration after admitting to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.John Rowlands, aged 46, was involved in an altercation following a meeting with his ex-girlfriend on February 27.
The couple, who had been together for over a year, went out with her son and his partner to discuss their relationship issues.
They visited The Six Chimneys and Bridge Inn pubs before the incident occurred.
Prosecutor Joel Wootton stated that as they walked along a street, Rowlands displayed an aggressive change in attitude and became enraged.
He shouted at her and then forcefully pushed her to the ground, causing her to fall.
Subsequently, he placed his foot on her throat, standing on her neck in a manner described by a witness as exerting slight pressure, yet still dangerous.
The woman told her daughter-in-law to call the police and asked Rowlands to leave her alone.
He responded by asking three times, “Come on, tell me it's over,” before she replied, “It's over.” Police officers arrived shortly after.
During his police interview, Rowlands denied the assault, claiming the woman had fallen onto the grass and that he merely helped her up.
He, from Manygates Crescent, pleaded guilty to the charge.
No victim impact statement was presented, but a character reference from the woman—who had known him for 20 years before their relationship—was submitted.
In mitigation, lawyer Anthony Sugare informed the court that Rowlands had served 42 days in custody, which was considered roughly equivalent to a three-month sentence.
His Honour Judge Stubbs KC sentenced him to a community order lasting two years, including 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of participation in a rehabilitation program.
The judge acknowledged that Rowlands had been supportive and caring in general but indicated that issues related to alcohol and relationship stress contributed to his inability to control his actions.
Prior domestic violence incidents and a non-molestation order were also noted by the court.
The judge commented on the complex nature of Rowlands’s character—both helpful and considerate, yet capable of losing his temper—culminating in this violent act.
