FARTOWN MAN NEIL FIRTH ADMITS ATTACK ON PREGNANT WOMAN
Neil Firth, of Blackhouse Road, Fartown, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sarah Western.He appeared before Kirklees magistrates in custody after being recalled to prison for another matter.
James Weekes, prosecuting, said that the incident happened in the early hours of January 9.
At 1.30am the couple were together at 42-year-old Firth’s house.
Mr Weekes said that an argument began over Ms Western, who was eight months pregnant, having contact with an ex.
He told magistrates Firth pushed her backwards onto a chair, grabbing her throat.
Mr Weekes said: “He pushed her onto the bed, pulling her down by her throat.
“When she tried to leave, he again grabbed her by the throat and pushed her onto the bed.
“He sat on top of her stomach, straddling her.” Magistrates heard that Firth eventually let go of Ms Western and she fled to her own home nearby.
Mr Weekes said that she attended hospital but no harm was done to her unborn child.
Magistrates heard that Firth’s victim suffered marks to her neck and throat.
Firth was arrested and admitted assault but on the basis that he pulled Ms Western onto the bed but did not grab her by the throat or straddle her stomach.
Magistrates decided to hold a Newton hearing to determine the facts as this will affect the eventual sentence given to Firth.
A Newton hearing is used where conflicting evidence is presented, and the judge must determine truth.
This will take place on May 19.
Firth was remanded in custody due to his recall to prison.
