A 29-year-old man who repeatedly assaulted his now ex-partner, including in the bedroom of her home in Bath, has been given a restraining order and told to pay her compensation.
At his sentencing on Wednesday 25th February, Bath magistrates also gave Justin Lee a community order under which he must complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Lee, of Lodge Road in Abson, South Gloucestershire, had originally pleaded not guilty to three charges of assault by beating.
However, on the day of his trial in January he had changed his plea to guilty, and magistrates had adjourned sentencing until last week so the Probation Service could prepare an all-options report, including custody.
On 12th June 2023 Lee assaulted the woman in a hotel in Falmouth in Cornwall, punching her and repeatedly hitting her with a sandal.
On 27th November 2023 at her home in Odd Down, he landed his fist into her jaw and pressed her head into the headboard of the bed.
The third charge related to 4th January 2024 at his home in Lodge Road when her injuries included a scratched thigh.
The court was shown several images of the injuries Lee inflicted on the young woman.
Prosecutor Michael Collins read out a statement from her to the court in which she told of the “sustained campaign of control, fear and intimidation” that she’d endured at Lee’s hands and that it was not the first time he had abused a woman.
She spoke of how Lee had left her “terrified, powerless and violated”.
He had woken her up on one occasion by throwing water in her face. She said it had been a “frightening and humiliating experience” that’s had a lasting impact.
He had also violated her privacy by going through her phone.
She said she had developed severe anxiety as a result of his behaviour and has been receiving support. The “emotional scars” affect her daily life, and she has a “lingering fear” that he will turn up.
She added: “I hope this pattern of abuse ends here.”
The court heard that Lee had previous convictions, including batteries from 2016 and public order offences in 2021.
His solicitor said Lee had changed his mind about pleading not guilty “at the door of the court” on the day of the trial in January.
He said Lee now has “insight” in the relationship, although will require input from the Probation Service.
His solicitor said Lee is now in another relationship and has the support of his partner who was in court for his sentencing.
He added that Lee has a job he enjoys and a young daughter from a previous relationship whom he visits in Birmingham. It would be a “disastrous situation” if Lee received an immediate custodial sentence.
Magistrates imposed a two-year community order on Lee. He must do 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. The order also includes 25 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.
Lee was ordered to pay his victim £600 compensation. He must pay £400 costs as the prosecution had prepared for a trial, and a surcharge of £114.
He was given a three-year restraining order, meaning he cannot contact the woman in any way or go to the road where she lives in Odd Down.
The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre offers a safe space where women who have or are suffering domestic violence can get support. Visit https://www.nelsontrust.com/
