Sunderland man assaulted ex after drinking session in graveyard
A Sunderland man attacked his ex-girlfriend after a drinking session in a graveyard.
Douglas Day was banned from having contact with the woman due to a restraining order imposed when he strangled and assaulted her in 2024.
But Newcastle Crown Court heard despite the ban, the former couple met up in June last year (2025).
Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins told the court: "They spent time in a graveyard together, drinking alcohol and arguing."
The court heard the pair went back to Day's home and it was there he "became violent" and squeezed the woman's arm until it bruised.
Mr Hopkins said: "He released his grip and tried to justify assaulting her by saying she deserved it for answering back."
The victim, who was previously in a long relationship with Day, said he has damaged her confidence and self worth.
Day, 55, of Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland, admitted breach of a restraining order and assault and has been in custody on remand since June.
Recorder Bryan Cox KC sentenced him to 12 months suspended for two years with programme, rehabilitation, mental health and alcohol abstinence requirements.
The recorder told him: "The fact you have served a significant period in custody enables me to take a course today which avoids immediate custody."