Darlington dad warned after assaulting partner holding baby

DARLINGTON DAD WARNED AFTER ASSAULTING PARTNER HOLDING BABY

A FATHER-OF-TWO who beat and kicked his partner while she was holding their baby has been warned he faces prison.

Lawrence Bainbridge was intoxicated when he assaulted his partner of six years, pulling out a chunk of her hair, punching her in the face, and kicking her legs, buttocks, and crotch, according to Darlington Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that Bainbridge did not stop even when their two-year-old child pleaded with him to stop, screaming: "No daddy, it's naughty." The attack occurred on July 20, while the victim was holding their five-month-old child, during which Bainbridge knocked a cup of coffee from her hand, grabbed her by her hair, and punched her again before pulling her to the floor by her hair and delivering more punches.

Throughout the assault, the victim was holding the baby.

She fled the house with her children afterwards, driving around until the police arrived.

In a victim impact statement, she expressed fears for her children's safety and mentioned she had forgiven Bainbridge before but could not do so this time.

The prosecutor also noted Bainbridge had been previously cautioned for domestic violence against the same victim while she was pregnant and indicated a restraining order would be applied for shortly.

Bainbridge, of Bedford Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on August 24 for sentencing.

He was warned he could face 26 weeks in custody if sentenced today.