Penrith man spat in face of partner during row outside town pub

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 seen spitting in the face of his partner as they argued outside a Penrith pub has been sentenced for a district judge called a “repugnant” act.

Police were flagged down by a member of the public while on mobile patrol on Castlegate in the town at around 8.45pm on January 14. Anthony Miller, 42, was seen shouting at a woman being held back by a third party at the entrance to the Castlegate Arms.

As the police officers were getting out of their vehicle, they both saw Miller spit in the face of his partner.

Miller was prosecuted despite the woman not cooperating with the police investigation. She and Miller had since been reunited, Carlisle magistrates’ court heard today as he was sentenced having previously admitted a charge of assault by beating.

Miller, of Greystoke Park Road, Penrith, was said to have shown genuine remorse for his “emotional response”, leading to the assault, after being given some news.

He was made subject to a 12-month community order and must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

“Spitting at anyone is a repugnant offence,” said District Judge John Temperley as he passed sentence. “Spitting at someone who was your partner — and still is your partner — even more so.”