A MAN who admits assaulting his wife will be sentenced next week.

Robert Gillespie committed the attack at an address in Coxhoe, on May 10, when he is also alleged to have damaged a hot tub, belonging to his wife’s mother.

He was initially charged with wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, criminal damage and using violence to secure entry to premises.

Although no pleas were taken at a hearing at Durham Crown Court on June 11, the case was given a provisional trial date of July 19.

But, appearing at the court via video link from nearby Durham Prison, yesterday, the 34-year-old defendant admitted a new charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, plus criminal damage.

The court was told that Gillespie has previous assaults on his record and received suspended sentences in 2019 for two of them, which expired earlier this year, prior to the incident in May.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said the victims in the latest case would like to give impact statements to the court, prior to sentence.

Judge Ray Singh said he would also like an updated report on the defendant prepared for the sentencing hearing by the Probation Service.

He adjourned sentence until next Wednesday and remanded Gillespie, of Bridge View, Fishburn, to remain in custody until that day.

 

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