Dad ordered to stay away from ex after row left mother of his son with broken bone

The case was heard at South Tyneside Law Courts. Picture by FRANK REID.

Despite their amicable relationship, John Ramshaw, 45, of Garland Terrace, Fencehouses, turned up at her home.

He then tried to get inside but was blocked on the doorstep by the mum-of-three, magistrates in South Tyneside heard.

In the rumpus that followed, the woman’s arm was hit by the door, causing the break.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy said: “They were in a relationship between December 2015 and April 2019.

“They have kept in touch because they have a son together.

“He turned up at the victim’s home and was drunk and she tried to shut her door.”

Ms Duffy said in the melee that followed, the woman’s hand was hit by the door, causing the fracture.

The court heard Ramshaw has nine previous convictions from 11 offences, three of which are assaults, with his last court appearance being in 2006.

Ms Duffy added: “The starting point is a high-level community order. A restraining order is sought.”

Ramshaw pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and causing criminal damage of less than £5,000.

Alaister Naismith, defending, said: “It’s going to need a Probation Service report because of its domestic nature.

“In terms of a restraining order, I’m not sure it’s necessary, she’s here with him today.

“They say they have reconciled, and there have been no more issues between the parties. It’s a full year ago.”

However, magistrates heard Ramsey’s admittance that the woman had come with him to court, and was waiting outside, put him in breach of his bail conditions.

A previous court had banned him from seeing her until he is sentenced – but magistrates took no action against him for defying the ban.

But the court heard Ms Duffy spoke to the woman during a court adjournment and later confirmed his victim wanted Ramshaw to stay away from her.

Magistrates adjourned the case for reports to the same court on Friday, May 14.

They granted Ramshaw bail on condition he does not contact the woman, except for pre-arranged child care – and told him he must travel home separately.

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