2017: MARK GAUNTLETT, OF ROWAN CLOSE, BROMSGROVE, JAILED AFTER 30 MINUTE ATTACK
A FATHER from Bromsgrove has been jailed after he bit, kicked, slapped and spat on his girlfriend during a violent rage lasting nearly half an hour.Mark Gauntlett, 25, grabbed his girlfriend round the throat, kicked her in the back and ribs, bit her on the arm and spat in her face, all while their young child was in the house, Worcester Crown Court heard on Tuesday.
Gauntlett, of Rowan Close, had a record of violence and had previously been jailed for assaulting his partner, Michael Conry, prosecuting, told the court.
The pair had been in an on-off relationship since 2009, but had got back together when he was released from jail.
On the morning of January 13 this year, she had intended to go to college but was let down and stayed at home, Mr Conry said.
She went into the pair’s bedroom where Gauntlett was sleeping and he started shouting abuse, accusing her of having an affair.
She told him to leave but he followed her around the flat and assaulted her, kicking her as she fell to the floor.
She managed to get up and push him away, before taking their son and leaving the house.
She suffered bite marks to her arm and bruising.
Gauntlett pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on Clarissa Bailey and criminal damage.
He had been diagnosed with a personality disorder and was now on antipsychotic medication, the court was told.
David Monroe, defending, said Gauntlett had a long history of violence and harmed himself when he got out of control by head butting walls and doors.
He had moved back in with his partner but their relationship had "ended in violence" and he now accepted it was over.
Judge Robert Juckes, QC, told Gauntlett he had a choice between spending time in and out of prison or working with doctors to address his mental health issues, otherwise he would be considered a dangerous man.
"When you lose control it must be terrifying for those who have to deal with you," he told Gauntlett.
He had carried out a sustained assault on his partner lasting nearly half an hour for no good reason other than an exaggerated sense of jealousy, the judge said.
Gauntlett was jailed for 18 months and a restraining order was imposed until further notice.
