A MAN who attacked his wife, leaving her bleeding and bruised, has been spared an immediate prison sentence.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how 38-year-old Ryan McGee attacked Faye McGee in her home on September 20 after a “silly row”. The pair were in a 19-year relationship which had ended several weeks earlier.
McGee got “in her face” before grabbing her shoulders and cheeks, pinning her down and causing bruising. In a desperate bid to get McGee away, she bit him twice, but he responded by punching her twice to her right eye.
“She felt a popping sensation, and the pain was horrific,” prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told the court. “She thought something had shattered. Her eyebrow burst open and blood was running down her face.”
McGee, c/o Links Road, Whitehaven, admitted actual bodily harm assault, and also assaulting one police officer and resisting another when arrested. He was at a “low ebb” at the time, and “ashamed” of what was an “isolated incident”.
After hearing mitigation and background information, Judge Andrew Jefferies QC suspended a 20-week prison sentence for 18 months. He also imposed a rehabilitation activity requirement, and a restraining order which prohibits contact with the victim for five years.
“It may be old fashioned; it may be sexist – but you don’t punch women. It’s as simple as that,” Judge Jefferies told McGee.
