Sunderland man flew into drunken rage and assaulted girlfriend as they put up Christmas tree

A machine operator flew into a drunken rage and assaulted his partner soon after they put up their Christmas tree with family at her Sunderland home, a court was told.
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Dwaine Cowley, 31, of Ravenscroft Road, Sunderland, exploded after an initial bust-up with the sister of his then-girlfriend, whom he had been dating just a month, on Saturday, November 30.

He was asked to leave the woman’s property, but took with him a bottle of vodka – and kicked off when contacted to return it, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

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Prosecutor Paul Anderson: “The complainant would say the defendant is a heavy drinker. They had been out shopping and came home and put the Christmas tree up.

The case was heard at South Tyneside Law Courts.The case was heard at South Tyneside Law Courts.
The case was heard at South Tyneside Law Courts.

“The defendant already had some drink on board, he went to get more drink and came back about an hour later.

“There was some argument with her sister, and he took a bottle of vodka with him. He turned back up at the property. He came staggering in.

“He pushed the complainant back and put his fist into her face, she thought that he was going to punch her, but he went into the kitchen and punched the fridge instead, causing a small dint.

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“He grabbed the complainant by the arm and threw her into the living room. She suffered redness and soreness and felt shaken up by the whole incident.”

Cowley, who also threw a can which exploded, claimed he could remember nothing of the incident when questioned the next day by police, it was said.

Charlie Carr, defending, said: “He was so drunk that he can’t even remember what went on. He’s a lightly convicted man, three offences since becoming an adult.

“There’s a thread of alcohol going through this. I think some work can be done in respect of alcohol.”

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The case against Cowley, who pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing criminal damage, was adjourned to the same court on March 23.

He was granted bail by the court on condition he does not interfere with prosecution witnesses or enter a specified street.