A VICTIM of assault has spoken of how she is glad to move on after a 'traumatic experience' giving evidence in court.

Josh Burns, of Black Butts Lane on Walney was found guilty of assaulting ex-partner Shelley Lamb on August 20,2020 in Ulverston after pleading not guilty.

The 33-year-old was found not guilty to a charge of criminal damage to her mobile phone to the value of around £50 by South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on February 15.

Speaking after the trial, victim Shelley Lamb said: "He did not admit to doing it until the very end, so it was quite distressing that I had to go through that.

"Giving evidence was very distressing and difficult but it was the right thing to do.

"It was a traumatic experience, and I am glad to have got through it but it is one of those things where you know you have got to tell the your side of the story, but he could have prevented that by admitting to the charge.

"He told police that it was self-defence and that is why he pinned me to the floor, he told different stories, so it was frustrating.

"I still suffer from anxiety following the assault months on.

"I am happy with the sentence as when I looked at previous ones reported for similar offences they received a lot less than what he got."

Burns received a community order from the court requiring him to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

He was also issued with a two year restraining order not to enter the street where the victim lives in Ulverston.

Burns was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim.

Because he pleaded not guilty, the defendant had to pay costs of £620 to the Crown Prosecution Service in addition to a surcharge to fund victim services of £95.

This brings the total amount required to be paid to the court to £815.