ROBERT MERRYWEATHER

BACUP MAN FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLENT ASSAULT ON EX-PARTNER DESPITE RESTRAINING ORDER

Robert Merryweather, a 47-year-old man from Ribble Street, Bacup, has been involved in a significant assault against his former partner.

He previously served a 10-month prison sentence after attacking the same woman at a wedding reception in 2017.

Despite being subject to an indefinite restraining order intended to prevent any contact, Merryweather unlawfully entered her home in Bacup around 8:30 am on July 3 of the previous year.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker revealed that Merryweather had returned a pet rat by entering the house without permission.

When the woman, who was in the bathroom, questioned his actions, he replied, 'This is what I’m doing here,' then proceeded to headbutt her in the face, resulting in a bleeding nose.

The court heard that Merryweather had a criminal record comprising 52 offences, including 22 mentions, and had previously served a sentence for the 2017 assault.

The latest incident was apparently triggered by her new relationship, upcoming holiday plans with her partner, and her covering a tattoo bearing Merryweather’s name, suggesting ongoing underlying tensions.

Merryweather admitted to charges of causing actual bodily harm and breaching the restraining order at Burnley Crown Court.

It was noted that he previously had an eight-year restraining order following a violent incident in Whalley, where he assaulted his partner by punching and kicking her unconscious out of jealousy.

His defense emphasized his serious health conditions, including issues with his pancreas, spleen, kidneys, heart, sepsis, and diabetes.

Judge Sara Dodd sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and extended the restraining order to eight years.