A NEWTOWN man has been spared immediate jail after he assaulted his ex-girlfriend and her friend in a rage after she broke up with him.

Curtis Lee Jefferies came round to his ex's home on August 18 last year, demanding she return his sofa and television after being told she was ending their relationship.

The 22-year-old assaulted both women – including leaving her friend with a broken nose, while his infant daughter was present – before leaving on a push bike.

Jefferies, of Lon Glanyrafon, Newtown, had initially denied assaulting the friend, thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm, and assaulting his former partner, but eventually admitted both offences. He also admitted a third offence of assault on his ex between July 14 and 31, 2022.

Prosecutor Rebecca Ross told Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 30, that the victim had invited her friend round to her home because she intended to break up with the defendant.

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“The defendant kept pushing her and he shouted at her friebd to open the door, he was pushing the door against her," she said. "He then gained entry to the property.

“The victim told him to get out but he grabbed her round the throat and said ‘I want the sofa and TV’. He was so forceful with his hands around her throat that he pushed her face into the kitchen counter. He then let go of her and swung for her friend.

“He unplugged the TV and took it outside, then he started dragging the sofa outside.

“The victims said they would call the police and he said he’d beat them more if they did.

“He said he wanted to say goodbye to his daughter. He kissed her then left on a push bike.”

Ms Ross said the friend went to hospital following the attack with a black eye and suspected broken nose, which the hospital confirmed.

She also revealed that Jefferies had committed these offences while subject to a court order for a previous assault in 2021. She applied for a restraining order.

Jefferies, unrepresented, was supported in court by a family member, who said the defendant suffers with mental health difficulties and anxiety.

“I have to take this on the chin,” said Jefferies.

“I don’t disagree with a restraining order, but as long as I can continue seeing my daughter, that’s all that matters to me.”

Magistrates handed Jefferies a six-month custodial sentence – but told him it would be suspended for two years.

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Chair of the bench, Anthony Jackson, told Jefferies: “You’re not going to prison today but listen carefully to what I have to tell you.

“You can expect to serve it if you commit any other offences during this period.

“We have decided not to send you to crown court for sentencing. We have decided not to send you to prison because we believe you require rehabilitation and also you are the father of a child who needs your support. We are giving you an opportunity to sort yourself out.”

As part of the suspended sentence order, Jefferies must complete 40 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Magistrates granted a two-year restraining order. Jefferies must pay £400 costs and a £154 surcharge.