A MAN has been sentenced by a judge after driving off with his ex-partner clinging to the window of his moving vehicle in Whitehaven.
Nicholas John Little, 51, was said to have argued with Maria Louise Arrighi on June 5 about money owed for the sale of puppies the pair had been breeding.
As 51-year-old Little put a pregnant dog in his Mitsubishi L200, Miss Arrighi followed and was pushed over as she tried to get into the vehicle.
As he drove off, she grabbed a partially open window. She was then “lifted off her feet” while unable to keep pace with the vehicle during a 40-yard trip.
One witness believed Miss Arrighi was “in danger of being crushed”, while Recorder Richard Archer observed she had been a “hair’s breadth from serious injury”.
Little admitted assault and dangerous driving, and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI), when Recorder Archer heard numerous examples of the defendant’s positive character.
After hearing submissions, Recorder Archer told Little, of Hill Top Road, Whitehaven: “You need support. You need rehabilitation.”
He imposed an 18-month community order comprising 150 hours’ unpaid work, a rehabilitation requirement and attendance on a “building better relationships” course.
Little must also serve a 12-driving ban, pass an extended re-test and pay £1,200 court costs.
