Christopher Lambert of Totton narrowly avoids jail for assaulting partner

A MAN who assaulted his then partner during an argument “only just” avoided being jailed.

Christopher Lambert (32), of High Street, Totton, admitted committing the offence on 23rd December last year.

Southampton Crown Court heard how the defendant and his victim had been drinking when they began to row, which culminated with him calling her a whore and grabbing her mobile phone before pushing her to the floor.

Prosecutor Emily Lanham explained the woman was uninjured, but applied for a restraining order to be imposed.

The court heard Lambert had 25 previous convictions and at the time of the incident was subject to two suspended sentences for possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

He previously pleaded guilty to assault and two counts of breaching a suspended sentence.

Defending, Keely Harvey said her client understood he was at risk of having the sentences activated, but added the offences had been committed “some time ago” when he was “at a point in his life where not a lot was going right”.

She added: “He has been doing a great deal better. He has secured accommodation and is trying to turn his back garden into a vegetable plot.

“When he is outdoors, he feels able to control himself better – there has been a marked change.”

If sent to custody, he would be “well past being back at square one”, she added.

Sentencing, judge Peter Henry said: “You’ve got a fairly bad record, and some of these offences include assault, but I accept in recent years you have offended less than in the past.

“I gave you the first suspended sentence and I explained you were in jeopardy of custody if you breached it.

“You are not going to prison today – but you have got to understand you have only just avoided it.”

He added: “The offence, pushing your then partner, is very unpleasant. If there are any further breaches, you know what will happen.”

He imposed a two-year community order, during which Lambert must complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity sessions.

He must also pay a fine of £50 for the assault and £100 for the breaches.