A dad who fractured his partner's shoulder after pushing her over during a violent argument later told her to lie to police and say they were wrestling.
Trevor Ward, 42, began arguing with his then-partner after believing she was not showing him enough "affection" and went on to push her into a metal clothes-horse, which caused her to fall and fracture her shoulder. The police then got involved, but after receiving a summons, Ward rang the woman and urged her to change her account and lie to officers about how she sustained her injury.
Ward appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for grievous bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. He pleaded guilty to the charges.
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Tabitha Buck, prosecuting, said the complainant is now Ward's ex-partner, and on February 19, last year, in Heighington Village, County Durham, a "domestic incident occurred". She said: "The defendant believed the complainant was refusing to show him any affection. The defendant pinned her to the bed with his whole body and punched her to the head. The complainant said she was going to call the police and he took her phone and left the room."
Ms Buck said that the woman followed Ward and could see her phone in his pocket. But when she tried to take it from him, Ward "pushed her with full force." She said: "She fell backwards into a metal framed clothes-horse and then fell to the floor. She knew that there was something wrong with her shoulder."
The woman was then taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where it was found she had suffered a fractured shoulder which required use of a sling and left her in "constant pain". When Ward was interviewed by police, he denied assaulting her and claimed that she was the aggressor.
In January this year, Ward received a summons from the police regarding the assault, and on January 25 he was speaking to the woman on the phone as they made arrangements regarding their children. It was during the conversation that Ward urged the woman to "change her account" to police.
Ms buck said: "He suggested she tell the police they were just wrestling and indicated she should change her account for the sake of the children. He said he would go to prison." The woman "called the police immediately" after their conversation.
The court heard Ward, of Tornado Close, Bedale, North Yorkshire, had one previous conviction for assault, which dated back to when he was a youth.
Jane Waugh, defending, said Ward and the woman were still in regular contact regarding their children and said they currently exchange "friendly texts". She said: "She seems to present to him as someone who is friendly towards him." She said Ward had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and is now "attempting to get on with his life". Ms Waugh added: "He is very sorry about the injuries which were occasioned."
Sentencing Ward, Judge Ray Singh said he "vented your anger and frustration" towards the woman before becoming violent. He said: "Domestic violence will not be tolerated by the courts." Ward was given an 11 month prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days. A four month curfew was also imposed as well as a five year restraining order. Ward must also pay £2,000 compensation to his former partner.
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