Sheffield thug jailed for repeatedly punching his ex-partner

Lewis Grist, aged 25, of Southey Avenue, Sheffield, had been subject to a non-molestation order to protect his ex-partner when he visited her home and attacked her, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.

Amy Earnshaw, prosecuting, told the court on November 16 the couple’s relationship had deteriorated and a non-molestation order was imposed in October, last year, but Grist attended his ex-partner’s home by her agreement and attacked her.

Mrs Earnshaw said Grist wanted to speak to the complainant because he believed she was having a relationship with a friend of hers but after she said she did not want to talk he slammed a chair down and refused to leave.

Grist then grabbed the complainant by her neck from behind as she had been walking towards the stairs and he pulled her to the floor, according to Mrs Earnshaw, and he punched her.

Mrs Earnshaw said: “She said there were a number of punches to the side of her head.”

Grist’s ex-partner was punched again as she tried to push him off but she got free and managed to drive away in her car, according to Mrs Earnshaw.

Judge Sarah Wright told Grist: “This was a violent and sustained offence committed against a vulnerable woman causing her physical and psychological harm.”

The complainant stated she has since suffered with her mental health and she described feeling broken and that she does not feel safe in her own home.

Grist, who has pevious convictions including offences against her ex-partner, pleaded guilty to assault by beating on the basis he punched the complainant four times during the attack on July 13.

Helen White, defending, said railway worker Grist has been remanded in custody since August and is at risk of losing his council property.

Judge Wright told Grist: “Even though you expres remorse you showed no signs of really wanting to tackle this behaviour because you continue to breach court orders or fail to engage.”

She sentenced Grist to 27 months of custody.

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