A Swindon man who breached a restraining order by contacting his ex-girlfriend after being found guilty of assaulting her has been sentenced.
Connor Jones, 23, yesterday appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison where he was being held on remand.
The defendant, of Welcome Avenue, was found guilty of assaulting his former partner in September 2020 following a trial last month.
Jones is said to have acted in “extreme self-defence” but pushing her with great force during a disagreement last year. He pleaded not guilty to assault but was found guilty by magistrates at his trial on 26 March.
Days later, on 30 March, he breached a restraining order by calling his victim to whisper “I love you”, and later rang back to say “don’t call the police”. Many other unknown calls were ignored. He admitted the breach on 1 April.
Defence solicitor Emma Hillier said her client had been remanded in custody since pleading guilty to breaching the restraining order on 1 April.
“He’s only 24-years-old, and obviously he has had these past few weeks in custody to think about this. He’s remorseful.
“I’ve spoken to his mum and brother… his mum is more than happy to have him back at home – she’d welcome him back with open arms.
“He’s told me he is keen to engage with probation, wants to move back with his mum and sort himself out.”
Magistrates imposed a six-week prison sentence suspended for 24 months.
They also imposed a 12-month community order with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also ordered to pay £285 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
