Last updated at 13:48, Thursday, 27 November 2008

A MAN who attacked a woman after being rebuffed when he tried to chat her up has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Daniel Macdonald, 21, was also ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

Macdonald, of Ainslie Street, Barrow, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid work.

The attack happened at a poker night at the Cemetery Cottages Club on March 14.

Vicki Spencer was taking part in the event at the Schneider Road premises.

Mr Bob Elias, prosecuting, said Macdonald started talking to Ms Spencer in an attempt to chat her up.

He said: “She was not interested and frankly replied sarcastically to him.

“He became abusive.”

The woman told him to go away, saying: “Or I’ll get my brother to knock you out.”

There was another verbal exchange.

She remembered standing up and being punched to the face, which caused her to fall backwards, but she was caught.

Ms Spencer was punched again.

A woman playing a card game on the next table saw Macdonald punch her in the face, causing her to fall sideways.

He also punched her a second time with the same fist.

The defendant had no previous convictions, but did have a caution for a public disorder matter.

Mr Brian Williams, defending, said the assault had been loutish, drunken behaviour for which Macdonald was thoroughly ashamed.

He had reacted out of character while very drunk.

Mr Williams told the court: “This was a spur of the moment reaction to the situation.

“It was not premeditated in any way.

“He is genuinely remorseful and that is confirmed by an experienced probation officer.

“The whole experience of his journey through the criminal justice system has chastened him considerably.

“He is absolutely worried about what might happen to him.”

The judge, Recorder Craig Sephton QC, told Macdonald: “You were pestering your victim.

“That sort of behaviour on its own is completely unacceptable, though not criminal.

“The sort of behaviour you showed, to any person, but in particular to a woman, is completely unacceptable.

“I am told you are ashamed of yourself, so you should be.

“I accept that it was something you did on the spur of the moment, no doubt when in drink.”

First published at 11:47, Thursday, 27 November 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk