Man who punched and head-butted woman in parking dispute spared prison

The Magistrates Court Picture: ROB CURRIE. (34375240)

A MAN who punched and head-butted a woman in a dispute about her parking has been spared a prison sentence.

The Magistrate’s Court heard that the woman has been left fearful of groups of men and of walking home on her own, after the attack by Daniel Duncan Baugh on 16 June this year.

Baugh (35) pleaded guilty to grave and criminal assault.

Advocate Jordan Gollop, prosecuting, said Baugh had been walking to Franky’s takeaway in Grosvenor Street at 9.50pm when the woman, who works as a delivery driver for the business, parked outside it.

He said: ‘Mr Baugh took exception to what he perceived to be obstructing the pathway and intentionally knocked against her car, to prove the point.

‘When he left he knocked against it again. He then hit the front of the vehicle.’

The court was told that the woman got out of the car to push him away and Advocate Gollop said: ‘He head-butted her in the face. He then threw a punch which connected with her head.’

A passer-by then restrained Baugh until the police arrived.

The woman was left with bruising and a cut to her forehead but no permanent physical injuries. However, the advocate said the psychological effects had been lasting. ‘She has suffered significantly from anxiety, especially about seeing Mr Baugh again. She feels nervous or anxious around groups of men, and her partner has to walk her home from work.’

Advocate Chris Baglin, defending, said Baugh had been on medication at the time and suggested a community service order rather than prison.

He added: ‘Mr Baugh is deeply ashamed. He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Community service would allow him to pay his debt.’

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris agreed not to send him to prison. He instead sentenced Baugh to 120 hours of community punishment and put him on probation for 12 months. He also imposed a restraining order, banning him from having any contact with the victim for 12 months.

He told Baugh: ‘Your response was wholly out of proportion.

‘You now have a conviction for violence. If there is any repeat of that behaviour you will be at high risk of going to prison.’

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