Boozed-up Sutton man “overreacted” when he assaulted his wife

Joe Shelton and his wife had been drinking "a lot of alcohol," when the incident happened outside the Traveller's Rest pub, on Huthwaite Road, on October 3, 2020, said prosecutor Annelli Pritchard.

In a statement, he said he had been concerned that his wife was too drunk to drive but admitted "overreacting" and using "too much force" when he grabbed her arm afterwards.

He said he had been working with the social services since and apologised for what he did.

Shelton pleaded guilty on the day of his trial on June 28, after initially denying the charge, and sentencing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

The court heard he was last in court in 2015 for driving with excess alcohol and possession with intent to supply.

Chris Perry, mitigating, said: "There is a strong case built by the probation service recommending a community order and the building better relationships course.

"There has been a relevant history, albeit not resulting in any convictions, which required social care to be involved. As of Friday the social services have closed their investigation."

The court heard that Shelton's wife didn't support the prosecution and they are both still together.

He was recalled to prison in 2013 for two alleged assaults against the same complainant, Mr Perry said.

Magistrates told him: “You could have gone to prison today.”

Shelton, 33, of Elmhurst Drive, Huthwaite, was fined £950, with £300 costs and a £90 surcharge. A 24-month community order was imposed, with 23 rehabilitation days.

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