A ST HELENS man has avoided a prison sentence after being found guilty of assaulting his ex-partner.

A court was told that after being out at separate events on May 28, 2023, David Green got into an argument with his partner when they returned to her home address in Warrington.

With the argument quickly getting aggressive, David told his partner to "pack his bags" before throwing her handbag upstairs and punching her in the face.

Green, 51, of Boardmans Lane in St Helens, was found guilty of assault by beating at a trial earlier this month, and appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 29, to learn his sentence.

'He can't hurt me anymore'

With a victim impact statement read out in court, Green was forced to hear the long-lasting psychological trauma that his actions have had on his former partner.

Reading the statement, prosecutor Gayle McCoubrey described the victim as an "outgoing and cheerful" person who had a "good work-life balance" and a "great support network".

Expressing how her life had changed since her relationship with the defendant, the victim said she now suffers from intense anxiety, and feels unsafe and a "heightened awareness" when she leaves the house.

The victim further explained how she no longer enjoys the hobbies and activities that she used to, that her sleeping pattern has been affected, and that she always lets family or friends know when she leaves the house.

The victim's statement continued: "I know that this relationship will affect me for years to come and I am not the person I once was.

"I am so relieved to be away from Dave. Although the relationship was only for two months, it felt like much longer.

"People should not be able to commit crimes and get away with it [...] I keep telling myself that he can't hurt me anymore."

Defending, Sam Fixter, explained that Green has suffered with mental health problems after he was the victim of serious offences when he was a child.

Mr Fixter said that this has had a lifelong impact on Green, who often has night terrors and has previously left employment due to his experience.

Mr Fixter also noted that the 51-year-old is a father to a six-year-old child, and cares for his elderly mum and his dad, who has COPD.

12-month community order

After deliberating the situation, magistrates avoided giving Green a prison sentence and opted to hand him a 12-month community order.

This will require the 51-year-old, who has one previous conviction, to complete 15 rehabilitation days.

He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine, £650 in court costs, and a £114 surcharge.

Magistrates decided against placing a restraining order on Green towards his ex-partner, noting that he had not breached his previous bail conditions or tried to contact her since his arrest.