TV remote tug-of-war lands man in court

Julian Cooke (54) of Haughton Meadows, near New Ollerton, attacked his former partner after she asked about changing channels as they watched ‘Countryfile’ on a Sunday evening in May.

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court was told how Cooke had grabbed her by the hands and had violently shaken her.

It was only after the neighbours heard her screams and came to the window that the incident ended.

Under police questioning, Cooke denied the assault, but admitted there had been a ‘tug-of-war’ over the TV remote. He was found guilty of common assault following a recent trial.

During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, the court was told they were in a relationship for five years, but had decided to separate last year.

She remained at their home, but described his behaviour as ‘controlling’ and says she was subject to verbal abuse.

They became embroiled in an argument just hours before the assault when she left a plate of food out when they went shopping.

But after settling down to watch TV it flared up again when she asked if he could change channels to find out what else was on.

Defending, Nicholas Hayles, said it had been an ‘isolated incident that lasted only four or five seconds’ and despite saying Cooke was controlling, she continued to live at the house with him.

Cooke was fined £1,100 and told to pay £640 costs, £110 victim surchagre and £100 to the victim. Mr Hayles said his his client would pay £100 a month, but that was rejected by the magistrates who insisted on £150 a month.