Sutton man threatened to kill partner in violent attack

A Sutton man who punched and choked his partner while threatening to kill her has been spared an immediate prison sentence, a court heard.
Mansfield Magistrates CourtMansfield Magistrates Court
Mansfield Magistrates Court

Toby Brown began shouting at the woman, with whom he has two children, when he returned from a day’s drinking, at 12.30am, on July 8.

Prosecutor Robert Carr said: “He pushed her on to the bed and started punching her on the legs. He began to choke her and she struggled to breathe.

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“He shouted that he was going to kill her and forced her face into the bed. He said that tonight was the night.

“He shouted: “They’re my kids and they don’t need you.” He said he was prepared to go to prison.

“When she screamed for help, he told her: “I will bring the knife to you,” and went downstairs.”

His partner fled, barefoot and in pyjamas, and tried to wake up her neighbours, but then ran away over the fields.

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“She got as far as Pleasley Road,” added Mr Carr. “She was scared that she was being followed.”

She was left with a swollen left eye and cheek, as well as bruised arms and thighs. She received scratches and cut her feet when she ran away from the house.

The court heard Brown had assaulted the woman before in their seven year relationship, and had even stabbed her on one occasion, but no complaints had been made.

Mr Carr added that a request for a restraining order had since been withdrawn.

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Probation officer Sarah Phillips said Brown was “remorseful”, and was motivated to address his behaviour.

She said he was frustrated because his partner had accused him of being unfaithful.

She said he had tried to limit his drinking since serving a prison sentence in 2011. He hopes to resume the relationship.

Brown, 26, of Fackley Road, admitted assault by beating, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Wednesday.

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District judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “I find it difficult to comprehend how a person such as yourself, who professes to be in a loving relationship, can treat the other party so badly.

“This was abusive behaviour, controlling behaviour and violent behaviour. It is fair to say the lady concerned must have been terrified. She thought she was going to be killed that night.

“Quite why she has taken the view that she doesn’t want a restraining order and says she doesn’t want you to go to prison is a matter for her.

“This is one of the worst cases of sustained violence that I have heard for some time.”

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He gave Brown 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend five rehabilitation activity days and up to 30 days of a probation service programme.

Brown must also pay £85 costs and a £115 government surcharge.

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