Dalton man sentenced after assaulting partner

Mark Lawton admitted that he assaulted his partner by beating her in a 'prolonged' incident that started upstairs and carried on downstairs at the house.

The 43-year-old admitted assault when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

A further charge, which Lawton denied, of intentional strangulation was dropped by prosecutors, who offered no evidence.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told the court police attended an emergency call at the home in Askam's Dalton Road on November 20 and spoke to the victim.

He said: "There was some of disturbance in the property and she gave an account saying at one point the defendant has kicked the bed frame causing that to make contact with the back of her head.

"He's grabbed her by the arms and caused some bruises.

"The matter proceeded downstairs and he's grabbed her and pushed her causing her to hit her head on the sofa armrest."

The court was shown photos of her injuries including reddening on her face as well as marks on her arm and chest.

The court was told the victim did not support the prosecution.

In mitigation, Karen Templeton said Lawton had shown great remorse for his behaviour and enrolled himself on a domestic abuse training course following the incident.

She told the court: "He's thoroughly ashamed of what happened.

"He's explained to me that he's very sorry. He's quite sure it's a one-off.

"They had both been drinking and he had been looking after the children.

"There was a dispute between them, he's grabbed her by the arms and he's slapped her on the face more than once."

Describing the offence as a 'prolonged' incident aggravated by the defendant having consumed alcohol, magistrates sentenced Lawton, of King Street in Dalton, to 100 hours of unpaid work as part of a community order.

He was also told to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £114 victim surcharge along with £85 in costs.

They did not award compensation or impose a restraining order.