Man who attacked partner as they ran Brighouse pub avoids jail

Recorder David Gordon gave Andrew Carter what he called “a golden opportunity” when he ordered him to carry out an 18-month community order – and a chance to address his alcoholism head-on.

Carter admitted attacking his then-partner of 17 years at The Prince Albert Inn in Brighouse, in a “nasty and upsetting attack” on the morning of August 15, 2023.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Carter, 50, had begun verbally abusing his now ex from the moment she woke up at around 8am that day.

He was described as being heavily under the influence of drink at the time.

The prosecutor described how he called his victim a “cheating, lying...bitch” and followed her downstairs into the bar to continue shouting abuse.

“As [the victim] was opening the pub, the defendant attacked her from behind. He punched her in the nose and dragged her towards the front door of the pub.

“He continued to punch her in the head and pushed her towards the steps at the entrance of the pub.

“The defendant lifted a barstool and attempted to hit [the victim] with it.”

Bradford Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

It took a male friend who was already in the bar to intervene and pull Carter away, but he persisted, this time throwing his then-partner’s mobile phone and glasses as she attempted to call for help.

Carter headed back upstairs to the flat above the pub and threw a chest of drawers down the stairs.

The victim suffered bruising and cuts to her forearms from the attack.

During interview, Carter told the police he was an alcoholic.

Carter admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

John Bottomley, for Carter, said: “He is a man of no previous convictions, but a man of a long-standing issue with alcohol and drugs.”

He added that while being in prison for the past three weeks he had begun addressing his issues with alcohol and had also been diagnosed with autism.

Carter was “deeply remorseful and ashamed of his actions”, and was likely still intoxicated during the police interview, where he was said to have laughed.

In sentencing Recorder Gordon gave Carter a chance to address his alcoholism with 30 days of a building better relationships programme, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days as well as a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.

A five-year restraining order was also made.