Dad hit partner’s head against front door in drink-fuelled row
A builder hit his girlfriend’s head against her front door in a drink-fuelled post-Christm a s w ra n g l e ove r keys , a court heard.
P h i l i p R e i l l y, 6 0 , o f Houghtonside, Houghton, hit the woman repeatedly, according to a witness out walking his dog.
It came after he dropped the house keys following a night out and she went to pick them up, resulting in a quickflash lovers’ bust-up.
But the facts were disputed at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where Reilly’s defence solicitor claimed it was a one-off hit.
Self-employed Reilly was fined £100 after pleading guilty to assault by beating on Saturday, December 28.
Pro s e c uto r B e n Wo o d - ward said: “Police attended [the victim’s] address, and on arrival were met by the person who had called them.
“The victim was at the entrance and she had a lump in the middle of her head. [She] has not supported the prosecution.
“However, unfortunately for the defendant, there was a witness who saw the assault take place.
“The witness describes the defendant as repeatedly bashing the victim’s head off the front door.
“The defendant will say that he did it once only. He is of previous good character.”
R ob i n Fo rd , d e fe n d i n g dad-of-two Reilly, said: “He
has lost his good character by virtue of his actions that night. Their relationship for
the past eight months has been put on hold.
“There was an incident.
It is accepted that what happened that night was drinkinduced by both parties.
“They’ve both had far too much to drink. They have go n e out fo r a C h r i s tm a s drink that has turned sour.
“It was a miserable night, he’s dropped the keys, she goes to pick them up and has fallen over.
“He’s held her up, there’s a wrangle and he’s banged her head against the door.
“He has scratches on his face that must have happened by accident. She had a bit of a claw at Mr Reilly.
“They have been prevented from seeing each other for the past eight months. They can now rekindle their relationship. This has been very difficult for them both. He is embarrassed by what has happened.”
Reilly must also pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.