Violent Gary Smith admits causing girlfriend bodily harm in Newbury

A MAN continued to batter his girlfriend even as she sobbed on the phone to police, a court heard.

Gary Smith followed victim Chloe Withers from room to room, flailing at her with both fists, Reading magistrates were told on Thursday, February 6.

Lisa Mutch, prosecuting, said 32-year-old Smith, who was living in Green Lane, Newbury, came home about 11.30pm.

She added: “A verbal argument ensued about him being with other women; she had seen something on his mobile that led her to that conclusion.

“She asked him to leave.”

Smith began making sweeping motions with his arms as if to usher her from the room, the court heard.

Ms Mutch went on: “The incident continued; he pushed her with both hands, with full force, into a wardrobe.

“Ms Withers went into the kitchen, where he pushed her into a washing machine and then the sink, again with both hands and with full force.

“He was swinging punches at her with both hands, fists clenched, causing bruising to her face.”

By now, the court heard, Ms Withers was on the phone to police, having dialled 999, telling them how the attack was unfolding in real time.

Ms Mutch said: “He started to hit her again, full force with both hands.

“She was very distressed during that call, shouting at him to get off her; it was a prolonged assault, going from room to room.

“He tried to interfere with that call to police and she sustained bad bruising.”

Magistrates were shown a photo of one particular, deep black bruise the size of a tennis ball on Ms Withers’ arm.

Ms Mutch concluded: “No doubt reports will be required and no doubt the court won’t wish to rule out committal to the crown court for sentencing at any stage, should the court feel the sentence would exceed their own powers.”

Smith admitted assaulting Ms Withers, thereby causing her actual bodily harm in Newbury on June 28 last year.

He has prior convictions and has previously served a prison term, the court heard.

Gianpaolo Damiani, defending, said his client admitted the offence on the basis that he had accidentally injured Ms Withers during excessive self defence- an account not accepted by the prosecution.

He added: “She snatched his phone; he snatched it back; she went for his neck.”

Mr Damiani said the bruise on Ms Withers’ arm was caused by a blow from his client’s elbow while he was using “excessive self defence”.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports.

Smith was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.