Courts 'sick and tired' of domestic abusers

Courts are "sick and tired" of domestic violence, a judge has said when sentencing a man who attacked his then-partner in an alcohol-fuelled "jealous rage".

Jordan Richardson, 27, repeatedly punched the woman in the face and pulled her by her hair after an evening in the pub in October, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Recorder Anthony Hawks said domestic abuse had "appalling consequences" for victims.

Richardson admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 18 months suspended for two years, with 100 hours unpaid work and an alcohol abstinence requirement.

Richardson, from Fawdon, Newcastle, erupted with rage after seeing his partner talking to a male friend at the pub in Kenton on 14 November, prosecutor Dan Wilberforce said.

He ranted at her on their way home in a taxi and began to attack her once they were inside the house, the court heard.

Richardson punched the woman to the head and face multiple times, as well as hitting her upper body, pushing her into a door frame and pulling her around by her hair, Wilberforce said.

In a statement read to the court, the woman said she was left "incredibly upset and in pain".

Hawks said Richardson "obviously" had a "problem with drink and drugs" and the assault was "very unpleasant".

"These courts are sick and tired of dealing with people like you who, fuelled with drink, get yourself in a jealous rage and attack your partner," the judge told Richardson.

"This sort of domestic violence has appalling consequences for people, not just because of physical injury but also because of the psychological harm it does," the judge continued.

The judge said he would suspend Richardon's prison sentence because he had "the good sense to plead guilty" and due to assessments made by the probation service.

A restraining order banning Richardson from contacting his ex-partner was made to last for five years.

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