AN OSWESTRY man convicted of attacking his former girlfriend has been spared jail with a suspended sentence after it was claimed his mental health would not cope in prison.

Paul Pritchard, who gave his address as Queen Elizabeth Meadow, Oswestry, was sentenced to a four months in prison – suspended for 24 months – for attacking Bethan Rees at her home following a day-drinking session on August 13 this year.

The 27-year-old was found guilty of causing Ms Rees actual bodily harm at a trial at Telford Magistrates Court last month, but had previously admitted to causing criminal damage under the value of £500, plus breaching a restraining order and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

Magistrates heard that Pritchard attacked his victim after they had spent the day at her neighbours, where he admitted he had drunk 12 cans of lager.

They also heard that the defendant had caused her to fall down her stairs into a trike belonging to her son, and that he had blocked her from leaving the property, even pulling her back in as she tried to climb through a window to escape him.

Convicting him on Friday, October 28, Magistrates told him that they did not find his evidence credible and that he did not deny kicking her down stairs.

In mitigation, Pritchard's defence told his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, November 16 that he had shown some remorse over the incident and that alcohol was a prominent factor.

But they also told the court that a community sentence would give him more support than custody, despite crossing the threshold for prison, as it would allow him to remain on anti-depressants and address issues.

The court heard that a report from probation recommended a community order as well as more rehabilitation work.

Sentencing him to four months – suspended for 24 months – Magistrates said the report acknowledged he did not fully accept his guilt.

They said: "Its fair to say this probation report doesn’t make for some great reading and it seems there is some element of denial still.

"We don’t want to see you back here because if we do, you’re going out of a different door."

He was also given a 24-month community order with 50 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days, with costs of £650 and a victim surcharge of £184.

A restraining order was placed on him to not contact Ms Rees directly or indirectly, not to enter Judge Meadow or Holy Trinity School, in Middleton Road Oswestry.

A further restraining order blocking him visiting his parents' property was removed.