MAN JAILED FOR PUNCHING GIRLFRIEND IN FACE AFTER BEING TOLD HIS DAD WAS DYING
A man who was intoxicated was sentenced to prison after assaulting his girlfriend by striking her in the face.This violent incident occurred shortly after he learned that his father was terminally ill.
Nicholas Hughes, aged 31, experienced emotional distress and consumed a large amount of alcohol after he was informed about his father's critical health condition.
His partner followed him outside a residence because she was concerned he might cause trouble or use the drug known as monkey dust.
During the confrontation, Hughes punched his partner, hitting her face and knocking her to the ground.
She sustained a cut lip that required stitches at a hospital.
The assault happened in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
Additionally, Hughes spat in the face of a police officer during his arrest, claiming he had Covid-19.
He was also found to have committed two thefts.
Hughes was subsequently sentenced to 19 months in prison for his actions that took place around 7:45 pm on July 14, 2020.
Prosecutor Olivia Appleby told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Hughes was emotionally unstable, agitated, upset, and intoxicated on alcohol that day.
The prosecutor described how the victim heard glass breaking downstairs, found Hughes outside, and was kicked in the shin by him.
Hughes then left the scene and walked toward benches near the junction of Church Street and London Road.
He approached a group, shouted at them, and continued walking toward Trinity Court.
The victim called out to others, warning them about Hughes, then ran home.
Hughes followed, pushed her, and when she pushed back, he punched her, causing her to fall.
He then fled the scene.
In March of the previous year, Hughes committed thefts, including stealing foundation makeup from Boots in Newcastle and a bicycle valued at £600 from outside Castle Oatcakes in Newcastle.
He admitted to charges of shoplifting, theft, assault causing actual bodily harm, assault of an emergency worker, and failing to surrender to bail.
Defence lawyer Stuart Muldoon stated Hughes was currently free from alcohol and drugs, emphasizing that he was not under the influence of monkey dust at the time of the assault and that he had previously used these substances.
Muldoon expressed confidence that Hughes could rebuild his life sober once released.
The court was also informed that Hughes' father died on March 11.
Hughes had previously promised his father to stay out of trouble, avoid drugs, and be a responsible father.
Deputy Circuit Judge Paul Glenn imposed a restraining order lasting five years, preventing Hughes from contacting his victim.
The judge remarked on Hughes' heavy drinking, his upset state following his father's diagnosis, and his aggressive behavior towards police and his partner, expressing regret over the victim's suffering and hospitalization during what was a challenging time during the Covid pandemic.
