[A] MAN has been told he faces prison for kicking a woman in the groin during a Lake District attack.
Benjamin Bland, 35, is also said to have punched Louise Murphy as he turned violent at his Helm Close home in Bowness-on-Windermere on January 26.
Bland admitted assaulting Ms Murphy, causing her actual bodily harm, when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this week. Judge James Adkin adjourned the case after hearing the defendant disputed some of the prosecution case against him – including the allegation that he kicked his victim.
A fact-finding hearing, with evidence called, was due to have been held today.
But Judge Adkin heard today (THURS) Bland “no longer wishes to pursue the contention”, and would be sentenced on the prosecution’s case. New medical evidence had come to light about an wound sustained by Ms Murphy during the incident.
Judge Adkin adjourned the case and asked for the probation service to prepare a full background report, and assess the risk Bland may pose to future partners.
He was remanded in custody and told he would receive his punishment on June 22. The judge told him: “Obviously it is a serious case. Obviously it is a custodial sentence and the issue will be as to length.”
