Man jailed for attacking girlfriend

Lout also attacked her former boyfriend, judge hears

A LOUT who punched and kicked his girlfriend, along with her former boyfriend, has been jailed.

Forty-two-year-old David Abel, of Kersey Crescent, Newbury, was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment by an Oxford Crown Court judge on Friday.

Anna Keighley, prosecuting, said the the two men had initially been getting along and drinking together but that trouble flared when Abel's girlfriend, Kelly Giles, said she was uncomfortable with the situation.

She added that a row broke out during which Abel punched Ms Giles and then attacked her ex-boyfriend Keith Bartholomew when he tried to intervene.

Ms Keighley went on: "Kelly Giles was left with a bruised eye and sourness to her arm. Mr Bartholomew suffered cuts, bruising to his cheeks, a bloodshot eye and a broken tooth."

The court heard that Mr Abel again punched Ms Giles and kicked her with his steel-capped boots before leaving the property.

Abel admitted two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm on January 9 this year.

Timothy Boswell, defending, said: "He (Abel) also suffered injuries when Kelly Giles bit him on the lip. He should be some given credit for his guilty plea and he is happy to take part in a community domestic violence programme."

The defendant and Ms Giles were no longer together, the court had heard.

Sentencing Abel Deputy Circuit Judge Julian Hall said: "You're a man of 42 - You should know how to behave yourself by now."