An ex-Swindon Advertiser reporter has avoided prison for an assault on a young child.
Daniel Wood previously admitted using force against the victim during an incident in Swindon in November 2025 and returned to court for sentencing today (Thursday).
Crown prosecutor Sue Gethin said the 35-year-old defendant had grabbed the child by the legs and swung them onto a sofa, before pinning the youngster down.
A witness intervened when they heard the child cry out. The child’s mother reported the incident to Wiltshire Police two days later, and Wood was subsequently arrested.
Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard that the child had suffered “lasting psychological harm” as a result of the assault and was receiving psychological support.
The victim’s mother also detailed the “profound” impact on her in a statement read out in court, stating that she required “extensive therapy”.
Clare Gooding, defending, said that her client had pleaded guilty to assault by beating at the first opportunity and does not dispute the facts of the case.
She said Wood has been “suffering with his mental health” for “some years”, experiencing depression, anxiety and stress – and has recently undergone psychological assessments, which raised the possibility he may be autistic.
Ms Gooding added that the defendant, an award-winning journalist, lost his job at the Swindon Advertiser after the charge was filed and is currently unable to work.
Magistrates agreed that the offence fell into the highest category, noting that both the child and their mother had suffered more than minor psychological harm.
They took into account Wood’s character references and early guilty plea, but found the offence serious enough to warrant a 12-month community order.
The defendant, of Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, was also fined £60, with a £114 victim surcharge and £95 in prosecution costs.
The court ordered him to pay a total of £269 at a rate of £20 a month, taking into account that he was receiving benefits.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Wood from contacting the victim or their mother.
