A man assaulted his girlfriend before stealing £220 out of her bank account.
31-year-old Elliott Willard appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 29 September to be sentenced for two counts of fraud and an assault by beating.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the defendant, of William Street, “got angry about men being in contact with her” after claiming to have seen something on her phone.
“F**k this, I’ve had enough of this”, he exclaimed before attempting to leave the address. The pair had been drinking together and concerned he would drive his car, she took his keys.
Willard grabbed her wrists before yanking them downwards, causing her pain and leaving her scared. He then proceeded to push his forehead against hers while verbally abusing her.
On leaving the property, he took her bank card – claiming she owed him money – and helped himself to £220 via a cashpoint in Old Town. The incident was reported to the police.
The couple were together for around three months and the relationship ended after the incident in late March this year.
Emma Hillier, defending, said her client has “limited means”, confirming that he claims Universal Credit and gets around £250 a month.
She said he is living in supported housing and has ADHD, adding that he recently lost his job in the fire and security industry due to his lack of concentration.
“He is concentrating on rebuilding his life, getting accommodation and getting back into work”, Ms Hillier said.
She continued: “He has not drunk or taken drugs since April and has been walking his mum’s dogs and looking after relatives. His cousin runs a football academy and he wants to help with that, that’s something he’s looking into.”
Ms Hiller said Willard has been stressed, spending time at the police station and going to court – stating the believes he will “never grace the court stores again”.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with the requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation days and 80 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.
A restraining order was also imposed for 12 months, prohibiting him from contacting his victim directly or indirectly or going to her address.
