A MAN WHO ATTACKED HIS EX-PARTNER WHILE ALREADY SUBJECT TO A RESTRAINING ORDER HAS BEEN JAILED
Michael Wilkinson, who resides on Wilkinson Street in Ellesmere Port, stood before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, December 2.The 33-year-old was convicted of causing actual bodily harm following a trial.
Additionally, he had violated a court order that prohibited him from contacting Kayleigh Matischock, his former partner and the victim in the case.
Prosecutor Catherine Elvin stated that the assault took place at Miss Matischock's residence in Buckley on April 12 of that year, while Wilkinson was intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine.
During the incident, while Miss Matischock was at the kitchen sink washing dishes, Wilkinson approached her, told her to stab him with her knife, and subsequently assaulted her by grabbing and pushing her into a wall, which resulted in a mirror breaking.
The assault intensifed as Miss Matischock was on the ground, with Wilkinson shoving his fingers into her mouth and biting her face.
The court was informed that the attack happened despite Wilkinson being under a restraining order issued after a prior assault involving the same victim.
In her victim personal statement, Miss Matischock explained she suffers from regular panic attacks and often re-experiences the incident mentally.
She is attending counselling and is fearful of noises outside her home, fearing it might be the defendant.
Defence lawyer Myles Wilson argued that Wilkinson is a diligent worker with a job as a groundworker, which he plans to resume after serving his sentence.
He added that Wilkinson intends to move back to Telford, where his children reside, and that his previous relationship with Miss Matischock was free of abuse.
Judge Simon Mills noted that the jury rejected Wilkinson’s claim of acting in self-defense, affirming instead that Wilkinson assaulted Miss Matischock in her own home.
The judge described the attack as severe and serious, noting it happened while Wilkinson was already subject to a restraining order.
He commented that Wilkinson’s actions were fueled by alcohol and Class A drugs, urging him to consider his problematic relationship with these substances and how they increase the risk of harm to himself and others, including future partners.
Wilkinson was sentenced to two years in prison.
