Man who hit and spat at former partner then blamed her avoids jail

Leroy Hayles, 30, of Church Street, Oakengates, admitted assault causing actual body harm at an early hearing in the magistrates court and had been committed to crown court for sentence.

At Shrewsbury Justice Centre on Friday he was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of community work, undertake a building better relationships programme and pay £250 costs.

The court was told that Hayles went to the home of his ex on April 5 last year.

He shouted at her and raised a tube shaped object and hit her on the forehead.

He then hit his former partner on the thigh with a bottle of whisky he had in his hand and spat in her face. He also told her his behaviour was her fault and she had pushed him to it.

Miss Hughes suffered blurred vision, felt dizzy and had a lump on her head.

Defending Hayles, Mrs Debra White said the defendant took full responsibility for the way he behaved on the day and his behaviour was not acceptable. He was sorry and remorseful for his actions, she said.

She said Hayles was suffering from an anxiety disorder and at the time of the assault he had not been taking his medication.

"He had also been drinking alcohol and that contributed to the way he acted."

"He is now taking his medication and realises he must keep taking it," she said.

Judge Peter Barrie said Hayles had acted in a completely selfish way.

"You hit your victim on her head with something you had in your hand that you made into a weapon, all the time saying it was her fault," he said.

"You were only interested in your grievances and this shows how little you respected your victim at the time.

"The case for sending you straight to prison is very strong but I am going to step back from that. I accept you have had some mental health issues, you have no previous convictions for violence and you pleaded guilty."