MARK AUSTIN

MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT AFTER PUNCHING EX-PARTNER IN WORKINGTON

A man named Mark Austin, aged 51, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being convicted of assaulting his ex-partner by punching her square in the face.

According to court reports, Austin had previously been subject to a non-molestation order which he breached.

On September 29, during an incident at the victim's residence in Workington, Austin, who was intoxicated upon entering the property, assaulted the woman.

Witnesses and video footage indicated that he slapped her, attempted to grab her phone, and physically punched her in the face, causing her to fear for her safety and her children.

The court heard that during the assault, the woman's eldest child was heard saying, 'get off my mam', and she described feeling terrified that he might have continued the attack if neighbors had not intervened.

When police arrived, Austin resisted arrest and denied causing injury, claiming he might have 'accidently' punched her during a struggle.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating, obstructing a police officer, and breaching the non-molestation order.

The judge, Leswyn McCallum, described his actions as deliberate and serious, noting the breach was exacerbated by alcohol consumption and previous domestic violence offenses.

As a result, Austin was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, with additional costs and surcharges imposed.