Thomas Ashley of Calmore avoids prison for attack on ex partner’s new boyfriend

A NEW Forest man who attacked his ex-partner’s new boyfriend has avoided being sent to prison.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Thomas Ashley (33), of Treagore Road in Calmore, acted on the “spur of the moment” after going to the property they had previously shared, and where he was still a named tenant.

Prosecutor Ed Wild told the court the incident, which happened on 1st May last year, saw Ashley let himself into the property and attack the victim as he came down the stairs.

He struck the victim “a number of times” before putting him in a headlock, the court heard. As he left the property he was heard by a postal worker to shout: “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

Ashley then turned up at his ex’s work, and was seen to be “shouting and waving his arms” outside.

In a statement read to the court, the incident was said to have “taken a toll” on the mental health of the victim, who suffered flashbacks and nightmares.

He had also lost income due to taking time off work after the attack.

Ashley pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to battery and strangulation.

Defending, Jamie Gammon told the court there had been “difficulties” between the former couple due to the acrimonious breakdown of their relationship.

“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, it was not calculated,” he said of the incident, adding: “He reacted a little too quickly.”

Ashley was “anxious” not to lose his employment and accommodation, which would happen if he was sent immediately to custody, Mr Gammon added.

Judge Nicholas Rowland handed Ashley a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered he carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work and 30 rehabilitation sessions.

He told him: “Get on and do those hours and sessions, and don’t commit any further offences, otherwise you will be back here.”

Judge Rowland also imposed a three-year restraining order which prohibits Ashley from contacting his former partner.