Abusive boyfriend threatened to assault girlfriend by dropping bucket of golf balls on her legs

Francis Black, 59, was convicted of assault against the woman following a trial at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how Black lost his temper with the victim while helping her to move into a new home and found there was no food for him to eat.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said: “There was an argument prior to the assault. That was over the defendant being hungry and wanted some food.

“There was obviously nothing in the property and he stated it was a human right he be fed and watered.”

When Black started calling her names she went into the bathroom where a bucket of golf balls was in the shower.

He followed her and became angry when the victim picked up one of the balls and dropped it in the cubicle.

Ms Hesse added: “He shouted ‘what are you doing?’ when he snatched that bucket and threatened to drop that full bucket on her legs and dangled it over her legs and pretended to drop it.”

The woman locked herself in the bathroom after Black stormed out and continued to shout at her.

Ms Hesse added: “She stated ‘I have been terrified and stayed in the locked bathroom. I need help to prosecute Black so he will finally leave me alone and I can feel safe again’.”

The offence from September 23 put Black, of Grange Road, Hartlepool, in breach of a conditional discharge he received three months earlier after he was convicted of battery against the same woman.

He was found guilty of throwing a bunch of keys at her.

Stewart Haywood, defending, said in mitigation for Black that both parties had been involved in a heated argument.

He added rehabilitation activity days recommended by the probation service would punish Black due to his work commitments.

Magistrates made him the subject of an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity days and he must attend a Building Better Relationships programme.

He was also ordered to pay £810 in costs and surcharges.