Plymouth man who assaulted his ex-partner avoids a jail term

A MAN who kicked and punched his former partner has avoided a jail term.

Guy Barrett, aged 44, escaped custody even though he was in breach of a previous suspended sentence for selling heroin.

Plymouth Crown Court heard he also pushed the woman down some steps by her wrist after a row broke out over access to their son.

She had gone to his house to pick up the child's bicycle, the court was told.

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Judge John Neligan said: "This was a bullying assault, a vicious assault and it was accompanied by some extremely aggravating remarks."

Barrett, of Connaught Avenue, Mutley, had denied common assault in April.

But he was convicted by city magistrates after trial and sent to the senior court for sentence.

Judge Neligan gave him a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

He was put under probation supervision for two years and must do the Building Better Relationships programme, which tackles domestic violence.

Barrett must also pay his victim £150 in compensation.

The court heard how he had a previous conviction for assault and was in breach of a suspended prison sentence for possessing heroin with intent to supply.

David Gittins, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the woman went to Barrett's house with their child to pick up the youngster's bicycle.

He said they started arguing about access to the child.

Mr Gittins said Barrett pushed her in the chest, kicked her in the groin and punched her to the chest.

He added he then grabbed her wrist and pushed her down some steps.

The court heard she was left with a loose tooth and cuts to her fingers.

Ali Rafati, for Barrett, said the assault did not happen in front of the child.

He said that Barrett was free of drugs and was working as a self-employed floor-layer.

He added: "He has rid himself of a 10-year drug addiction."

Mr Rafati said he committed the offence 22 months into the 24 months of the suspended sentence and the new crime was of a different nature.