Ex-soldier's heartless attack

A FORMER army man kicked and punched his ex-partner after a heavy night drinking, Worthing Magistrates' Court heard.

Andrew Stocker, of Cecil Road, Lancing, drank eight pints before turning up at the Shoreham home of his ex-girlfriend on July 26 and attacking her, the court heard on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old was given a curfew order, meaning he will be electronically tagged for six months and not allowed to leave his house after 8.30pm. He was also given a two year community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay 500 compensation and 118 costs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Angela McGuiness, prosecuting, said: "It was very early in the morning and the victim heard her name being called out. She had been taking sleeping pills to help her sleep and she woke slowly.

"She opened the door to Mr Stocker and he grabbed her by the throat, pushing her back into the flat. He punched her in the face and accused her of contacting his family, which he didn't want to happen.

"Her glasses were broken, and he continued to make accusations. He punched her again in the head and kicked her in the back when she was on the floor, causing her pain to her stomach area."

Miss McGuiness said the victim was left with bruising to her face and general soreness.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She told the court Stocker admitted being drunk after drinking eight pints, when he was interviewed by police.

Peter Long, defending, said the couple's relationship, which had ended at the time of the offence, was "tempestuous and stormy".

"This is a very difficult relationship and it was not all one-way traffic; he does say this is no excuse," he said.

"He spent eight years in the British army and served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Germany. This was out of character.

"This incident has had an adverse affect and my client has had to have counselling."