Hucknall man's romantic fling ended in drunken, violent fight

The woman, Kate Gutteridge, said she felt “sore and battered” after being punched and grabbed.

And the 39-year-old man, Mark Cross, of Occupation Road, was handed a suspended prison-sentence after pleading guilty to assault.

“This was a sustained attack, causing considerable pain and upset to a lady who required hospital treatment,” District Judge Leo Pyle said.

Nottingham Magistrates’ Court was told that Cross, who was still with a long-term partner, had a two-month affair with Miss Gutteridge.

But it broke down on Saturday, May 9 last year when they had an argument at her flat on Milverton Road, Bestwood Park after getting drunk.

“Miss Gutteridge was pushed on to the sofa and punched repeatedly,” said David Miles, prosecuting.

“She kicked out in self-defence and as she tried to go past Cross and get out of the flat, he grabbed her round the neck.

“When she tried to call the police from her landline phone, he pulled it from the wall.”

After the police finally arrived, Miss Gutteridge was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, where she needed stitches to treat cuts, the court heard. She also had various bruises and swelling to the face.

Tim Holder, mitigating, said Cross was “ashamed” of the relationship and the assault, which stemmed from a phone-call made that day. He said he was acting in self-defence.

“When the police turned up, they were actually sat together and she had his arm round him him,” said Mr Holder.

“She said he hadn’t assaulted her, and it was Mr Cross himself who admitted there had been a fight.

“What happened should not be belittled, but Miss Gutteridge’s injuries were described by a doctor as slight.

“Mr Cross is not innately violent, and he is prepared to face his punishment.”

Cross was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was subjected to a restraining order lasting three years, banning him from contacting Miss Gutteridge or going to either her home or that of her mother on Commercial Road, Bulwell.

He was also ordered to undergo a six-month treatment programme for his drinking and told to pay compensation of £250 to Miss Gutteridge, plus court costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £80.