A MAN who attacked his ex-girlfriend has avoided jail for now.

Stephen MacGill, of Barmouth Close in Callands, has been given a suspended sentence after admitting to one charge of assault thereby occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 32-year-old hit his ex-girlfriend in the face, resulting in her requiring an expensive surgery to fix the damage caused which he will now have to contribute £2,500 towards.

Sentencing, magistrate Philip Pegum, said: “However the injury was caused, you’ve caused a significant injury.

“She feels violated and is suffering from depression. Your actions have significantly affected her work and personal life. She has had to undergo surgery to repair the damage you caused.

“You often hear or read in the press that people walked away from court free because they’ve got a suspended sentence.

“You are not walking from this court free.

“If you offend again you will be brought back to his court and it’s very likely you will go to prison.”

Prosecutor Michael O’Kane explained that MacGill had been in a relationship with the victim for around 13 months.

On December 27, 2023, the victim went to a fancy dress Christmas party with friends.

MacGill wasn’t attending the event but sent her a message asking for "money for sniff”, Mr O’Kane said.

He persistently attempted to find out where she was before eventually meeting up with her, at which point he acted in a threatening way and suggested he would stab her family.

When the victim awoke the next morning, MacGill was in bed with her and began arguing before moving towards her, his elbow connecting with her nose.

A statement from the victim read in court explained that four years earlier she had spent £10,500 on a nose job.

MacGill's actions resulted in her paying nearly £5,000 for a second surgery.

“I never thought I'd have to have surgery again. This put me back to square one," she said.

“This has really impacted my life. I have at times contemplated taking my own. I know deep down I would never hurt myself because of my family.

"I have flashbacks when lying in bed replaying the incident over and over again.

"I wholeheartedly believe Stephen has impacted my future relationships. I struggle to leave the house and have no self-confidence.

"I am constantly locking my doors and looking over my shoulder for Stephen. Now in the routine of being scared for my safety."

Defending, David Robb said: “Every story has a slightly different telling.

“The defendant felt at the time that she was attacking him in the dark and he stupidly swung back with his elbow.

“What we can confirm is one elbow in the dark has led to what is taking place in court today.

“It was a reckless act. He knows he could’ve taken alternative action.”

MacGill pleaded guilty in March and was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates Court on Friday (April 5).

He was handed MacGill a 24-week sentence suspended for 18 months, as part of which he must complete 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days and the building better relationships programme.

He must also pay his ex £2,500 in compensation.

A 12-month restraining order was also made, preventing having any contact with the victim.