Man handed custodial sentence after assaulting partner

Matthew Winstanley, of Alderwood Avenue in Liverpool, appeared for sentence at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 30-year-old, who is currently serving a sentence at HMP Berwyn, had previously admitted that in June this year at Greenfield, he assaulted his partner Brittany Gannon by beating her.

The court heard that on the day in question both the defendant and the complainant had been drinking "heavily" and got into a "petty" argument which resulted in him assaulting her.

When police arrived to speak with Ms Gannon, her comments recorded on bodycam footage included that the defendant had punched, kicked and stamped on her.

Catherine Elvin, prosecuting, told the court Winstanley's admission of the offence had been on the basis he had only pushed Ms Ganon - not all of the actions alleged on police bodycam.

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Matthew Winstanley. Image: North Wales Police

The prosecutor said while on the face of it, the Crown Prosecution Service did not accept the basis, it would not make a material difference to the sentence given his ongoing time in custody.

She added that the defendant has 29 convictions for 49 offences - including previous incidents of domestic violence.

The most recent such matter came before Liverpool Crown Court last year when Winstanley was convicted for a "nasty assault" against a previous partner described as him dragging her around a flat and grabbing her by the neck.

In 2018 he was in Chester Crown Court for stabbing a previous partner in the face with a sharp cuticle pusher.

Ms Elvin said the criminal record demonstrated a pattern of being involved with violence.

Gary Harvey, defending, said his client was prepared to take responsibilities for his actions.

"He's a local lad," he explained.

"His mum lived on an estate in Hawarden and he was brought up there, going to school locally.

"He has a problem with ADHD quite severely and that's why he shouldn't be drinking.

"He's keen to put this behind him - his relationships suffer as a result of excess alcohol."

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The court heard the complainant hadn't asked for a restraining order as the couple want to continue their relationship when he comes out of prison.

"I'm not a deadbeat," the defendant told the court.

"I'm not an alcoholic and I don't drink all the time - but it has got me into trouble.

"We do love each other and I want to settle down with her."

Ms Elvin said she had been asked by the police to apply for a restraining order, and the magistrates granted one for 12 months, which can be removed by application by Ms Gannon.

The Magistrates handed down a 16 week sentence to run concurrent to his ongoing one.

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