A MAN who attacked a Carlisle woman with a makeshift weapon as she lay in bed at her Carlisle home has been spared immediate prison.
Richard Charles Rodgers, 53, barged into Kay Irving’s house in the Morton area of the city at around lunchtime on May 10. He was said to have been frustrated after police took no action in response to a previous alleged incident involving his partner.
Looking “aggressive” and “very angry”, Rodgers went upstairs and got on top of Miss Irving as she she lay in bed before using an object to strike her face.
Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told Carlisle Crown Court: “What she initially thought was a dog lead turned out to be a USB cable with a heavy combination padlock tied to the end of it by way of a makeshift weapon.” Her injuries included a “golf ball” sized lump just below the hairline.
After leaving the house, Rodgers, of Stonegarth, Carlisle, was seen by a neighbour to punch a male friend of Miss Irving. He later admitted affray, offensive weapon possession and actual bodily harm assault having made what his lawyer said was a “rash and foolish” decision that day.
Judge Andrew Jefferies QC heard Rodgers had been out of trouble for five years and was currently drug-free. And, after reading a moving letter from Rodgers’ partner, Judge Jefferies suspended a 20-month jail term for 18 months. Rodgers must also complete rehabilitation and a six-month night-time curfew.”
