2012: MAN IS JAILED FOR HITTING TODDLER
A man, previously a champion in karate, has been sentenced to two years in prison after he physically assaulted a toddler.Jonathan Thornton, aged 23 with no fixed address, fled to New York following the incident where he injured a three-year-old, leaving a facial scar.
He also assaulted the child's mother, Hannah Ward, his former partner, at her home located on Greenroyd Avenue, Breightmet, last year in August.
The court was told Thornton, who as a child earned two British karate championships, was under the effect of alcohol and drugs during the attack.
The young boy was injured, suffering a cut on his nose that resulted in a scar, alongside injuries to his shoulder, back, and other areas.
Thornton justified his actions by saying he threw the child onto a mattress and struck him three times.
Miss Ward also sustained injuries, including a cut on her arm after being pressed against a radiator.
It was reported that Miss Ward was so fearful of Thornton that she left her home to move into a women’s shelter.
Defence lawyer Andrew Costello mentioned that Thornton left the country because he believed his drug issues would worsen.
Thornton showed remorse and voluntarily went to staff at Heathrow Airport to surrender.
The judge, Roddy, stated: “It’s clear that alcohol and drugs led to your loss of self-control.
You attacked Hannah Ward and her child in a sustained manner, both inside and outside their home, with the child crying and likely hearing the violence.” She further remarked: “Your conduct that night was bullying.
You exploited the vulnerability of a woman and a small boy, abusing their trust.” Thornton admitted to causing actual bodily harm to the child and assaulting Miss Ward, as well as not surrendering to authorities.
He was sentenced to 18 months for harming the boy, four months for assaulting the woman, and two months for failing to surrender, to be served consecutively.
