A NEWTOWN dad has been handed a suspended jail term after he assaulted his ex-partner and her mother.
Daniel Breeze, 34, had got into an argument with his then-partner when he returned home from the pub.
Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard this week how Breeze, of Lon Gwern, Newtown, kicked and slapped his former partner.
The assaults occurred at an address in Lon Ceirios, Newtown, on October 14. Breeze admitted both offences on October 16 and he was sentenced at Welshpool on Tuesday, November 12.
Prosecutor Helen Tench depicted a frightening evening, during which the victim felt scared that Breeze would harm both her and their baby.
She said Breeze returned home from the pub around 7pm, as she was preparing food.
“The defendant had the baby sat on his knee; she told him not to as he was intoxicated,” said Mrs Tench.
“He tried giving her his food but (the victim) said not to as it was too salty. He slammed the plate down and went upstairs and began talking to himself.
OTHER NEWS:
- Man who stabbed former Powys schoolmate with two knives denies it was murder
- Dwindling numbers force Powys WI to announce closure after 77 years
- Man accused of dangerous driving and injuring two passengers will head to crown court
“She thought of leaving, as there had been a previous incident. When he came downstairs he was verbally abusive towards her and kicked her in the stomach."
At one point she tried to leave but Breeze began charging down the garden behind her, grabbing her clothes, taking her back into the kitchen.
“She asked her mum to come with her back to the house.
“She says he went for her. He began rubbing baby food into her hair and face."
He then grabbed his ex's mother by the throat and punched her, the court heard - which she said in a victim impact statement triggered an asthma attack which left her struggling to breathe.
His partner spotted a group of people outside and asked them to call police.
PC Woosnam arrived at the house and asked Breeze to come downstairs, but he refused as he said he feared for his own safety.
His ex applied for a restraining order.
Gurleen Kaur, defending Breeze, said her client didn’t recall much of the incident.
“He doesn’t have any facts to put forward,” said Ms Kaur.
“He was at the pub, drinking, and believed he only had a couple of pints. He didn’t expect to be so intoxicated. But he has alcohol issues. He doesn’t recall much apart from small snippets.”
She said Breeze has sought help with the issue and has not drunk since. “He has addressed the behaviour which led to this incident,” she said.
“His behaviour was completely out of character and doesn’t reflect the sort of person he is.”
Ms Kaur said Breeze was in full-time employment.
Magistrates told Breeze the incident had crossed the custody threshold, with bench chair Rebecca Klug stating it was the “only suitable option”.
He was jailed for four months for each assault, to be served concurrently; if he does go to jail it will be for four months only. The sentence was suspended for 24 months.
As part of it he must complete 35 rehabilitation activity days and will undergo an alcohol treatment programme.
Magistrates granted a restraining order, for three years. He must pay £500 compensation, in addition to a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here