Comments over George Michael led to assault

A ROW which began with a disagreement over George Michael’s music sparked a chain of events that led to a violent domestic incident.

It culminated in Shirley Merriman slapping, punching and scratching her partner of 29 years.

She had been drinking at home in Long Eaton with her partner, where she was making Sunday lunch and reminiscing about things she used to do at Christmas.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court heard that she became emotional and began arguing with her partner about music created by the former Wham star.

The argument escalated to name-calling and the 54-year-old went on to assault her partner, drawing blood by scratching his face.

The victim went into the garage to escape from her and call the police.

Merriman sobbed in the dock as she was punished with a community order.

Susan Wilson, chair of the magistrates’ bench, said they had read the probation service report. “Clearly we had to take into account this was a domestic incident and that you have a previous similar offence.

“You have obtained support for your drinking and you have done that off your own back.

“You have support from your partner, and that is also positive. We are going to give you a community order for your actions.”

Sarah Sanderson, prosecuting, said an argument broke out between the pair and the defendant started calling the victim names.

She said: “He tried to calm the situation and she has slapped him to the face. She punched him in the face, causing him no injury and she has then scratched him to the face using her nails and drawing blood.

“The defendant dropped a bottle on the floor, injuring her own hand. The victim has then left and gone into the garage to remove himself from the situation. He phoned the police.” The court heard the victim was at the back of the court to support the defendant. He had not wanted her to be prosecuted, and no restraining order was required.

Asif Munir, mitigating, told the court Merriman pleaded guilty at the first opportunity following the incident in December.

He said: “She was reminiscing when her father was alive about family customs, she was having a drink and she became distressed.

“Initially the argument was over George Michael’s music, then there was name calling. It is extremely regrettable she punches and scratches him to the face. It lasts a short period of time.”

Merriman, of Nathaniel Road, Long Eaton, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by beating. She was handed a 12-month community order which included 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was told to pay £85 in court costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

Shirley Merriman