Man sentenced for punching girlfriend in the face outside Teesside pub

Michael Willans, from Darlington, was sentenced to 12-weeks in prison, suspended for two years, on Wednesday. Credit: GAZETTE MEDIA COMPANY SYNDICATION

A man has been sentenced for punching his then girlfriend in the face outside a Teesside pub.

Michael Willans, from Darlington, was sentenced to 12-weeks in prison suspended for two years on Wednesday, after pleading guilty to assault by beating at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Chris Tame said the 26-year-old was in a relationship with the victim at the time of the assault and had a tendency to "lose control" after drinking.

Outlining the case, he said: "On the June 18, 2022, the pair had been to a number of pubs in Whitby.

"The same evening they returned to Middlesbrough and continued to consume alcohol. At 11pm they attended The Dickens and this is where the problems began."

Mr Tame said the victim had gone to the toilets and was approached by a female bar staff member who claimed the defendant had called her "gorgeous."

The court heard the complainant came out of the toilets and saw the defendant arguing with door staff.

The court heard shortly after she confronted him about his comment to the staff member he became angry and denied it. Willans then punched her in the face.

The court heard a concerned member of the public ushered her into a vehicle but the defendant was trying to get to her. Shortly after the police arrived and he was detained.

Willans was interviewed by police and said he "pushed the victim" and didn't mean for her to fall.

In mitigation, the court heard the pair no longer have a relationship and it was an "unhealthy" pairing. Barrister Stephen Andrews said the only time the defendant commits offences is when he has had too much to drink.

He said: "When he hasn't had a drink there's no nicer man walking. He has a fantastic relationship with his mother, brother and grandparents."

Willans has 10 convictions for 19 offences and was last before the court in August 2022. Magistrates ordered the defendant of Lyonette Road, to undergo alcohol abstinence, complete a thinking skills programme and carry out 20 rehabilitation days.

He was also made to pay £85 court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

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