A man who assaulted his ex-partner in front of their child has been spared jail.

Liam Willis, 39, of Ridge Nether Moor, Liden, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage at Swindon Magistrates Court on October 18.

The court heard how Willis and the victim had known each other for eight years and had been in a long-term relationship, which briefly ended last year, before they got back together in September 2023.

On April 11, Willis had been out consuming alcohol and had texted her saying he didn’t want an argument but would “come home and sort her out”, leaving her feeling very threatened and telling him not to come around.

Shortly after, he arrived at the property and she says he lunged at her while she was on the bed, punching her in the face and causing injury to her lips and nose and swelling around her face and forehead.

Then Willis smashed her TV and other items around the bedroom, causing around £50 worth of damage, and punched two holes in the wall.

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The victim made a silent 999 call, at times whispering to the operator, and when police arrived she was too afraid to answer the door and found it had been double locked, but they gained entry through an unlocked back door.

Officers at the scene reported the victim was “extremely distressed” and “almost inconsolable” and saw blood dripping from her nose.

In a victim impact statement, she admitted to saying some “nasty” things to Willis during an argument but did not expect him to react violently towards her.

It read: “What Liam did and how he responded was unacceptable and I hope he knows this.

“He has never reacted in such an extreme way before.

“It took me a few weeks to sleep in there again…sometimes I had nightmares.

“I believe he’s more than likely remorseful and just wants to focus on the children like I do.

“I’m sad my family has broken down.”

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Willis, who was self-representing in court, said he was “deeply remorseful”, adding “I’ve never been violent before, I’m not a violent person, I just did a violent thing.

“You’ll never see me in this court again I assure you.”

The Magistrate warned him that the circumstances were “very unpleasant", particularly as the violence occurred in front of a child.

She said: “It does affect them in a very severe way mentally so that makes us concerned.”

He was given a 24-week sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service and ordered to pay a £384 fine, £154 surcharge, £85 prosecution costs and £50 compensation.

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