Man bit partner and offered £500 to silence witness

A 32-year-old man who assaulted his partner and her friend has received a suspended prison sentence at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. 🧑‍⚖️

Jack Hitchings bit his partner on the arm during an argument and pushed her friend to the floor, causing her to hit her head. The incident occurred after his partner returned home from wine tasting with her friend.

The court heard that Hitchings had earlier texted his partner asking for a £220 bank transfer to spend at the casino, which she sent due to concerns he would take money from her property.

Prosecutor Jac Brown told the court that Hitchings later contacted the friend and apologised, offering her £500 to withdraw her complaint to the police – even though at that stage she hadn’t lodged a formal complaint.

Hitchings, of Coed Y Ffynon, Dinas Powys, was arrested at a casino and denied the allegations. He was later found guilty of two counts of assault by beating and perverting the course of justice following a trial. The court heard he has six previous convictions.

In mitigation, Nick Gedge said his client maintains his denials of the offences. He told the court: “The defendant has a difficult background in terms of his mental health, left school early, struggled academically, went to college, gained a NVQ qualification in plumbing but could not secure an apprenticeship, but despite that he has been in constant employment.” It was also noted that the death of his father had a significant impact on him.

Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Hitchings to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.