A 55-YEAR-OLD Sutton man was sentenced to three months in prison for inflicting actual bodily harm on his common-law wife.

John Trevor Smith, of Harper Grove, admitted the offence, and Skipton magistrates decided to suspend the sentence for two years.

Prosecutor Sarah Tyrer said the police had been called to Smith's home on September 12 by his common-law wife June Blakesley.

When they arrived at the house at about 7.20pm, they found her in a distressed state, with her right eye closed up with swelling, her mouth swollen and lips bleeding.

An ambulance was called and Miss Blakesley was taken to hospital for a check-up.

Mrs Tyrer added that Smith was then arrested and told police, "okay I gave June a smack in the face but I promise I did nothing wrong, it was June's fault".

She added that it was established in interview that the argument had escalated because both Smith and Miss Blakesley had been drinking and the latter had failed to prepare Smith's tea.

Smith's previous convictions were read out, some dating back as far as 1995 and most involving violence towards Miss Blakesley.

In mitigation, John Mewies said the couple had lived together for five years and both had serious drinking problems.

He added that an argument had arisen that day over the fact Miss Blakesley was drinking behind Smith's back.

Mr Mewies said: "Mr Smith went back on a promise he had made two years ago not to resort to violence and assaulted the lady he loved around the face."

Smith was also ordered to pay £50 costs.

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