Warsop man who downed 16 pints smashed partner’s phone after accusing her of affair

Steven Morley had drunk around 16 pints of lager and cider prior to the incident on January 25, Mansfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Wednesday, March 18.

A witness told police that he had seen Morley pursuing the woman down the street before pushing her to the ground, said Donna Fawcett, prosecuting.

He had then straddled her on the ground, pulled the mobile from her bag and smashed it repeatedly, the court heard.

“He saw the woman walking down the street followed by a male who was walking after her shouting, ‘Don’t you walk away from me’.

“He threw her to the ground and the witness called the police and then noticed the defendant jump on top of her. The defendant then grabbed the handbag and pulled out the phone and smashed it onto the ground - it was smashed to destruction.

“The victim told police they had been to the pub where the defendant had drunk about 16 pints of lager and cider, and when they got home they had got into an argument because he thought she had been cheating on him.

“She doesn’t consider the relationship either off or on at the moment, she is waiting to see once these proceedings are concluded.”

Speaking in his own defence, Morley, aged 45, of The Burns, Warsop, who admitted assault and causing criminal damage, apologised to the court.

Giving Morley a two-year conditional discharge, Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “Sixteen pints - that’s why this happened. This is domestic violence of the worst kind and if you repeat this you will go to prison.”

He must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a £21 victim surcharge.