Drunk Sheffield festival goer pushed girlfriend with “such force” that she “face-planted” ground
The “scared and overwhelmed” victim was found by security staff
A drunk Sheffield festival goer pushed his girlfriend while rowing with “such force” that she “face-planted” the ground, suffering cuts and swelling.
Derfel Jones, aged 40, had travelled from Anglesey, north Wales, on July 11 for the 90s festival when he shoved the complainant during a row near the exit.
Mark Bates, prosecuting, said the “scared and overwhelmed” victim was found by security staff and taken to the couple’s Premier Inn accommodation near Meadowhall - where they encountered Jones.
He said: “The defendant hung out of the window shouting abuse.”
After gaining entry to collect the woman’s belongings with help from staff, Jones was arrested, said Mr Bates.
Self-employed plasterer Jones had 30 previous convictions, many for violence in which alcohol abuse was a “common thread”, the court heard.
In a statement read to the court Jones’ now-ex said his behaviour on July 11 was “out of the ordinary”, adding: “We were having such a nice time and all of a sudden he switched. In that moment I felt so scared and overwhelmed.”
Addressing the judge, Jones said: “I’m so embarrassed to be standing here today. My problem is alcohol. I lost my father and my brother and have been dealing with it through alcohol.
“I’m sorry for pushing (the complainant) because I do love her. We had a good future and we had plans.”
Judge Graham Reeds KC told Jones: “I accept you’re remorseful and embarrassed to be in this predicament and that you are normally hardworking.
“But this violence seems to be part of your character at the moment. You do need to change.”
Jones, of Tan y Fron, Llangefni, Isle of Anglesey, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching a suspended sentence.
He was jailed for 18 months.