DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR ASSAULTING WIFE
Keith Miles, aged 57, received a 16-week prison sentence after being convicted of assaulting his wife.The court was informed of Miles’s prior history of violence, which includes an incident where he assaulted police officer Cath Moore on August 3 and an assault on his wife Shirley Miles on August 11, just days before his court hearing.
His solicitor, Pat Matthews, described him as lacking awareness, calling him 'stupid' and emphasizing that it is not a crime to be unintelligent.
She added that Miles does not seem to understand what has happened to his life, citing health problems and a recent move to a flat where he reportedly did not even know the address.
During proceedings, Miles claimed he could not be jailed because he needed to care for a pet budgie provided by his flatmate.
The court was told that his appearance before them was due to an altercation with his wife, Shirley Miles, which led to the assault shortly before their 31st wedding anniversary.
Previously, Miles was given an 18-month suspended sentence after admitting to missing probation appointments and assaulting both his wife and a police officer.
However, the magistrates activated this suspended sentence and imposed a 16-week jail term because he failed to comply with conditions.
They highlighted that his assault was serious, resulting in injuries such as bruising and a cut lip.
The court also noted that Miles was non-compliant when restrained and had struck Officer Moore, causing her to fall and strike her head.
The sentence reflected his history of violence and his apparent lack of understanding of his actions.
