OSWALDTWISTLE MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT OF EX-PARTNER
A man identified as Michael Mullen, aged 56 and residing on Trinity Street in Oswaldtwistle, was involved in an assault on his partner when she attempted to end their relationship.The Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard that Mullen was released on police bail following the incident, during which he continued to harass the victim by repeatedly visiting her home.
He pleaded guilty to charges of assault, resisting a police officer, and harassment.
The court sentenced him to 26 weeks in jail and imposed a restraining order for three years.
The prosecuting lawyer Bryony Cook explained that the assault occurred inside the victim's residence after Mullen refused to leave.
She stated, "There was a verbal argument and he then slapped her with an open hand before punching her two or three times to the face." When police arrived to arrest him, Mullen was verbally abusive, refused to comply with police instructions, and kicked out at officers.
Despite being given bail with the condition that he not contact his former partner, he appeared at her address several days later, frightening her by appearing at the patio doors and becoming abusive before leaving.
He continued to stalk her by turning up on various occasions, staring through her windows, which caused her significant anxiety and fear of venturing outside.
The court mitigation speaker Gareth Price indicated that Mullen wished to be sentenced immediately without a pre-sentence report, acknowledging that his behavior was below acceptable standards.
