A VIOLENT thug who recklessly assaulted a family member before resisting arrest has narrowly avoided jail time.

A court heard how Paul Andrews entered an address on Burtonwood Road, Great Sankey and attempted to speak to his victim but when the woman refused to respond to him, he attacked her with an aggressive blow to the face.

Andrews, 49, of Irlam, Manchester, stood before Chester Magistrates court on Tuesday pleading guilty to charges of assault by beating, possessing a bladed article and resisting arrest.

Prosecuting, Thomas Quirk told the court how following the assault, which caused bruising and swelling to the victim’s face, the police were alerted to the scene on November 11.

When two Cheshire Police officers arrived at the property and attempted to question Andrews he refused to co-operate, not even confirming his own name.

As the situation escalated, the offender was eventually arrested and searched, where officers then found a bladed knife in his possession.

Defending, Melanie Winstanley said: “It was accepted that it was a reckless assault.”

She also told Warrington Magistrates that the defendant suffers with issues relating to his mental health.

Chair of the bench, Alan Eyres handed Andrews a 24-week sentence, suspended for two years and has been ordered to pay court fees of £374.

He addressed the defendant, saying: “Do you understand how lucky you have been today?”

“If you commit any offence, you will go straight to custody, I must make this abundantly clear to you.”