Suspended sentence for man who beat ex-partner

A man who assaulted his ex-partner, leaving her with a perforated eardrum, has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Tony Price, 37, from Dawley in Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday after previously pleading guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to offences in 2018.

West Mercia Police said he caused the injury by striking his victim on the back of the head. Two months later, he forced his way into her home and assaulted her again.

As well as the two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, Price was given a five-year restraining order, and told to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.

Police said a further charge of coercive and controlling behaviour was ordered to lie on file.

Det Sgt Geoff Anslow said: "Price subjected his victim to ferocious assaults behind closed doors, leaving her with bodily injuries including bruising, grab marks and a perforated ear drum."

He also said Price "lied during his police interviews in the face of what appeared to be overwhelming evidence".

He praised the victim for her "resilience and patience" and hoped she could now rebuild her life "having escaped from this abusive relationship".

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