Boroughbridge man avoids jail after assaulting partner over her prayers

A man named Steven James Bown, aged 50, was involved in domestic violence incidents against his partner in Boroughbridge. The York Crown Court heard that Bown attacked his partner on two separate occasions. Prosecuting attorney Heather Gilmore stated that Bown assaulted the woman on two different days. After police issued a restraining order banning him from contacting her, Bown went to her home in breach of this order and attempted to persuade her to drop charges against him. Bown pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, with conditions to complete 34 days of rehabilitative activities and 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was subject to a five-year restraining order restricting contact with the woman. The court detailed that Bown had approached her at her residence despite bail restrictions that required him to live elsewhere and had breached his bail conditions after police found him at her home in violation of the order. The incidents involved kicking her leg while she was praying, which she estimated to be around six hours a day—far less than her actual prayer time. Each episode was recorded on her phone; however, Bown had accessed her phone and deleted the first recording. Both episodes left no visible injuries. The court remarked that Bown’s breach of trust was out of desperation rather than malice. His defense barrister chose not to mitigate further, and the judge acknowledged his remorse and was reluctant to impose jail time. The judge explained that police had been hesitant to grant bail, which was only approved under conditions. Bown’s actions constituted breaches of the court order, but his purpose appeared to be to re-enter the house for tenancy reasons. Bown had been drinking during the incidents, and he had previously slapped his partner after an argument. The judge emphasized that Bown’s behavior was driven by circumstances, not cruelty.