A man who admitted assaulting his girlfriend is starting an 18-month community rehabilitation order.

Southend Magistrates Court heard Karl Wildish, 23, of Cluny Square, Southend, pleaded guilty to common assault and causing criminal damage on January 15.

Norman Patterson, prosecuting, said victim Julia Harvey was at her home in Sutton Road, Southend, with her daughter when Wildish appeared.

He got a beer out of the fridge while Miss Harvey finished making her daughter's dinner and an argument followed.

At one point the court heard Wildish said: "Give me one reason why I shouldn't smash this bottle over your head."

Mr Patterson said: "He got hold of both her wrists and pulled them backwards. She had a knife and tried to turn round to get the knife away and she cut herself, although it was only a minor cut."

The court heard Wildish eventually left the house. Miss Harvey later discovered small dents in her car bonnet and a large dent in the driver's door.

Simon Samuels, mitigating, told magistrates: "You are dealing with a young man with no relevant criminal convictions for violent behaviour."

Chairman of the magistrates bench Julia Tetley sentenced Wildish to an 18-month community rehabilitation order and ordered him to pay Miss Harvey £100 compensation.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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