[A] MAN jailed for assaulting his former partner inside her Kendal flat has had his prison term reduced on appeal.
Steven Johnston, 43, was handed a 23-week jail sentence by magistrates earlier this month. He had admitted assaulting Wendy Stephenson by beating on November 8.
Johnston was also made subject to a restraining order which prohibited him from contacting Miss Stephenson indefinitely.
However, he lodged an appeal against the length of his prison sentence, claiming it was “manifestly excessive”.
This took place at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI). Recorder Stephen Bedford, sitting with two magistrates, heard Johnston manhandled Miss Stephenson, grabbed her around the throat and struck her about the body. She suffered scratches and bruises.
Johnston, of Sparrowmire Lane, Kendal, had scores of offences on his record, and was on prison licence for a previous crime at the time of what had been a “nasty” assault.
But the court heard this had been a “blip” as he sought to stay out of trouble.
Recorder Bedford concluded the jail term was excessive, and reduced it to 81 days.
