A South Yorkshire thug who attacked his ex-partner says he wants to prove he is "not that kind of person"

Sheffield Crown Court heard on October 27 how Anthony Newton, aged 32, of South Street, Barnsley, had been separated from his partner when he got into her home at Castle Street, Barnsley, and assaulted her and stole her bank card.

Ian West, prosecuting, said: “He was under the influence of drink and was acting in a verbally aggressive manner and slapped her to the face and pulled and pushed her to the floor and lifted up her skirt.”

Mr West added the defendant suggested the complainant had been sleeping with someone else before he grabbed her breast to get access to a bank card and hidden money.

The couple reconciled and the complainant said the catalyst of his behaviour was alcohol but Mr West said Newton later assaulted his partner’s son and assaulted her as she sought refuge in a room on August 24.

Mr West said his partner’s son was having a dispute with the defendant’s daughter when Newton stepped in and punched him to the face and as his partner and both children sought refuge in a bedroom the defendant punched his partner.

Newton pleaded guilty to burglary and to assault by beating from January and he admitted committing assault occasioning actual bodily harm and a further assault and to causing damage to a TV from August while he was on bail.

Richard Canning, defending, said: “He has shown genuine remorse and has shown insight into the offending.”

Mr Canning added that since Newton has been remanded in custody he has become a “safeguarding buddy” helping those with suicidal and self-harming issues.

Newton had a problem with alcohol and gambling and he took this out on others, according to Mr Canning.

Judge Graham Reeds QC acknowledged Newton has made efforts to address his offending and sentenced him to 15 months of custody suspended for two years with a Building Better Relationships programme and a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Newton said: “I just want a chance to prove to myself and my daughter that I am not that kind of person.”

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