Man Fined £165 for Punching Girlfriend's New Boyfriend

A man named Stephen Waite, aged 37, who lives on Raleigh Drive in Laindon, was involved in an incident at his ex-girlfriend's home in Plumleys, Pitsea. The incident occurred around 2am on December 1 last year, when Waite dropped off his son. During a heated argument, Waite assaulted his ex-girlfriend's new partner, Christopher Cox, by punching him in the face. Cox fell to the ground and sustained a head cut that required four stitches. Waite admitted to the charge of battery in Basildon Crown Court and was fined £165. The court heard that Waite was not considered a violent man and that this was a one-off incident. The judge, Recorder John Caudle, emphasized that Waite's access to his son remains unaffected and noted that there has been no further trouble since the incident. Waite was also cleared of assault after the prosecution offered no evidence against that charge.