MAN ATTACKED HIS WIFE IN THEIR PETERLEE HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY
A man who attacked his wife when they returned home after Christmas Dinner was filmed by his sister-in-law as he threw a flurry of punches.Richard Anthony Dickson pushed and swung at his wife after returning to their Peterlee home after lunch at her mother’s house.
Durham Crown Court was told the victim’s sister, who was staying with them, challenged Dickson over what he had done.
Martin Towers, prosecuting, said Dickson’s wife then went to their bedroom and he followed her, before launching a further assault, punching her to the face and body numerous times.
Her sister followed into the bedroom and videoed him, telling Dickson he needed to stop assaulting his wife, which he did.
The 14-second recording was viewed by Judge Anthony Dunne, who said although he saw the end of the incident, it was, “clearly a prolonged and persistent assault for no good reason”.
Dickson, 37, who appeared via video link from HMP Holme House, changed his previous not guilty plea to admit a charge of assault by beating.
The prosecution accepted his plea and other charges originally brought, of intentional strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour, which Dickson also previously denied.
They were "left to lie on the file”.
Paul Abrahams, for Dickson, said the maximum sentence for common assault is six months, and the defendant has been in custody for four-and-a-half months.
The court was told that Dickson's wife had withdrawn her support for the prosecution.
Imposing a ten-week prison sentence, the judge said the effect was that he should be released almost immediately, but he would be subject to post-sentence supervision for 12 months.
The incident was filmed and involved a prolonged assault for no good reason, leading to a conviction of assault by beating.
