Rehabilitation sessions for man who laid into partner

HIS ACTIONS WERE ‘DESPICABLE’

A MAN who attacked his on-off partner during an argument was told by a judge that “any man worthy of that name does not hit a woman ever”.

A court heard how Matthew Tomkins slapped the victim to the face and gave her a dead leg as they rowed at a property in Derbyshire.

The 31-year-old, of Burton, was then stopped while behind the wheel of a car despite being disqualified from driving just two months earlier.

Handing him an 18-month community order, Recorder Michael Auty QC said: “It is time that you learn to understand that any man worthy of that name does not hit a woman ever, that’s the rule.

“It’s a despicable thing to do, absolutely despicable and you are old enough to know that you should never contemplate behaviour life that.

“Court orders are there to be obeyed but having said that, this offence of assault by beating was only two months into that court order which had not then had time to bite due to Covid.

“The choice that faces me is to lock you up for four or five months where you will get no help, support or guidance. I think the better course of action is an order which will help you become rehabilitated.”

Eunice Opare-Addo, prosecuting, said the offence took place in Manton Close, Newhall, on May 11.

She said during an argument Tomkins assaulted the victim by hitting her around the head with an open hand and then pulled a small chunk of hair from her head. The prosecutor said he also punched her to the thigh, causing a dead leg.

As part of the community order, Tomkins, of Wellington Street, was ordered to attend 12 rehabilitation sessions, a 31-day accredited programme and to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Once the judge said he was not sending Tomkins to immediate custody, Justin Abblott, defending, said he had nothing to add in mitigation.