Coedpoeth woman avoids jail after assaulting partner

Holly Corden, of High Street in Coedpoeth, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old had previously been convicted of assault by beating, as well as resisting and assaulting a police officer.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court Corden's assault on victim Georgina Johnson came about in January after an argument between the couple about marriage.

The court heard the defendant punched Ms Johnson and tried to strangle her against a wall, telling her "I could kill you."

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When police attended, Corden was "instantly aggressive" and told the officers to "f*** off."

She lashed out at one and asked "you want to f****** play do you?"

Officers subdued Corden by the use of incapacitant spray.

Mr Espie said Corden's behaviour towards the victim had been "controlling and coercive," citing how Ms Johnson's benefits were paid into the defendant's bank account and she had "no access" to them.

Wrexham Magistrates Court

"Financial control is a significant warning sign of controlling and coercive behaviour," he added, telling the court how the relationship had initially been "brilliant," but that Corden became aggressive as time went on.

Patrick Geddes, defending, said his client had "significant mental health concerns," adding that the assertion of controlling financial behaviour was not accepted by her.

Unpleasant and hurtful things had been said on both sides on the evening of the incident, he said - but that didn't excuse Corden's behaviour.

District Judge Gwyn Jones said: "It's clear that on this night some alcohol had been consumed.

"Miss Johnson said she was punched hard to the stomach and strangled for about two minutes.

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"She didn't know what was going to happen and she'd have been fearful of really serious harm, or worse.

"It's clear that as matters progressed you did not assist with the arrest and made the job of the officers far more difficult."

For the assault on Ms Johnson, Corden received a 12 week sentence.

A concurrent sentence of 12 weeks was imposed for the assault on a police officer, with no separate penalty imposed for the resist charge.

But the District Judge suspended the term for 12 months.

Corden must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and comply with an alcohol abstinence and monitoring order for 120 days.

She must also pay compensation of £250 to Ms Harrison and £100 to the police officer - as well as £85 costs.

A restraining order preventing her from approaching or contacting Ms Johnson was put in place for five years.

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