Boyfriend bit partner's nose

11:45am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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A MAN who assaulted his pregnant partner twice in one day has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Matthew Munday, of Gibbs Leaze, Hilperton, grabbed his victim by the throat, bit her nose and banged her head against the floor during the second attack.

But after hearing how the relationship may continue a judge at Swindon Crown Court imposed the suspended sentence on Friday.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said Munday had admitted the assaults on his partner but on a certain basis.

As victim Vicky Wilson had not wished to pursue the matter he said the Crown were bound to accept what he said.

Mr Meeke told the court how the first offence took place following an argument between the couple.

"The complainant slapped the defendant following an argument. The defendant thereafter threw her against a wall and threw a beer can at her," he said.

"The second matter, he seized her by the throat applying pressure, biting her nose and as she lay on the ground banging her head on the floor.

"He said immediately prior to that assault she threatened him with a knife.

The Crown does not accept that. It says she took it to ward him off."

He said Miss Wilson was 'left battered and bruised' as a result of the two assaults which both took place between Wednesday March 19 and Saturday March 22 this year.

Munday pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

The court heard he had a previous conviction for actual bodily harm from 1993 for which he was fined and no matters since the year 2000.

At an earlier hearing the court was told that Miss Wilson was four months pregnant at the time of the assaults, which took place on the same day.

Judge Douglas Field said: "Any case of domestic abuse the court treats very seriously.

"I think that the picture that had been painted by this offence is sufficiently serious for me to pass a sentence of imprisonment but I am going to suspend it."

The judge imposed a 12-week prison sentence, which he suspended for two years.

He also told him to undergo supervision for 24 months and complete an integrated domestic violence programme.

He said he could impose the suspended sentence as he had pleaded guilty, shown remorse and they were reconciled saying the 'relationship may well continue'.