A MAN who committed a drunken assault on his partner was advised to steer clear of drink in future.

The judge presiding over the case of defendant Andrew Naylor even gave him a helping hand in staying on the wagon, by making him subject of an alcohol abstinence order.

New legislation, that came into effect in May 2020, gave courts new powers to make Alcohol Abstinence and Monitoring (AAM) Orders.

They prohibit the recipient from drinking, requiring them to wear what has become known as a, ‘sobriety tag’, which will monitor their sweat for alcohol content.

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Judge Ray Singh warned defendant even drinking a lager shandy in next 120 days would breach court order

That was the case with Naylor, 37, who was before Durham Crown Court for sentencing after admitting charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Helen Towers, prosecuting, said Naylor was locked out of the house by his partner after she learned he had spent £200 using her bank card.

When he returned home later on June 9, intoxicated, she said he could only come in if he did not ,“kick-off”.

He agreed, but as soon as he came in he shouted to her: “Who do you think you are, you cheeky c**t?”

Miss Towers said Naylor attacked his partner, punching her six times and kicking her once on the floor, causing a cut lip and a swollen face.

Following his arrest he appeared before Newton Aycliffe magistrates, on November 3.

Later that day he turned up at his partner’s home in breach of his bail conditions, damaging the patio door to gain access.

Police found him, again in drink, hiding upstairs.

The sentencibng hearing was told he has since been remanded in custody at Durham Prison.

David Callan, for Naylor, said his probation report points to the fact all his offending is drink-related.

Mr Callan said while in custody Naylor, of Station Estate South, Murton, has gone 11 weeks without a drink and intends to continue that.

Judge Ray Singh, therefore, imposed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which he must undergo 30-days’ on a probation ‘building better relationships’ course, and attend 30 rehabilitation activity sessions.

The judge also put in place a 120-day alcohol abstinence order and warned Naylor any breaches, even drinking a lager shandy, would show up on the monitor and bring him back to court to serve the sentence.

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