Penrith man admits assaulting woman with ‘spit to the face’

Carlisle's magistrates' court side on. It shows the front of the court with the steps and ramp up to the entrance and someone standing outside the court. A car is also parked up to the right of the building — Carlisle’s magistrates’ court. Picture: The Carlisle Kid

A man has admitted assaulting a woman in Penrith with what was described as a “direct spit to the face”.

When he appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning, Anthony Miller, 42, pleaded guilty to one offence of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Malcolm Isherwood told the court that camera footage had captured the “direct spit to the face” of the woman.

This occurred on January 14 outside licensed premises in Penrith and amounted to domestic violence following a row between the pair. “It is right that I should say at no stage has she co-operated with the authorities and has never been a witness in this case,” said Mr Isherwood of the victim.

Evidence in the case had been provided by two police officers.

District Judge John Temperley said he had received a letter from the woman involved. She was supportive of Miller, an HGV driver of Penrith. In addition, the district judge noted, it seemed she wanted to resume the relationship, but he stated: “I cannot ignore the fact this was a spit in the face. This is a serious matter whatever the background to it and the argument that day.”

Miller’s case was adjourned for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report. He was granted bail and is due to be sentenced on April 25.