A Watford man who used his former partner as a “personal punch bag” was jailed for 18 months on Friday, October 23 2020.
On one occasion James Anderson, 34, hit her on the head with a bottle and another time struck her with a book given to her by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Prosecutor Stefan Weidmann told St Albans Crowson court: “The woman in this case has her own problems with alcohol and drugs.
“She was used as his personal punch bag over some weeks.
“They had been in a relationship, but that had foundered.
“On June 30 he accused the victim of cheating, even though they were no longer in a relationship and he smacked her on the hip with a bottle.”
Over the following days he struck her on the cheek, spat in her face and hit her on the head with the book that had been given to her by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Anderson was arrested and bailed with a condition that he did not attend the woman’s home, but she allowed him to return.
Mr Weidmann said: “On September 29, after they had an alcohol and drug binge, he kicked her to the head and body. He hit her head with a glass, but fortunately it did not shatter.”
When arrested for the second time he told a police officer: “I know I am going to prison. When I am released I am going to go back and do it again.”
Anderson, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to two charges of causing actual bodily harm and three of assault by beating. They occurred between June 30 this year and September 29.
He had 31 convictions for 61 offences.
Letitia Egan, defending, said Anderson and the victim both had complex drug and alcohol issues. “He has a complex drug dependence and a mental health condition.
“He is extremely remorseful. He was homeless and she was giving him a home.”
Jailing him, Judge Michael Kay QC said: “The relationship had ended, but she continued to allow you to stay.“
He said he should have shown gratitude, but instead had been violent towards her again and again.
The judge said: “It was serious domestic violence. It is very fortunate there was no serious injury.”
He made a Restraining Order banning him from contacting the woman or going to her address for five years.
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