Atherton Woman punched by boyfriend in own home (From Leigh Journal)

Atherton woman punched by boyfriend in own home

8:10am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

A WOMAN was hit so many times by her boyfriend that she lost count of the blows and lay motionless, a court heard.

Victim Nicola Pilkington, aged 36, of Everest Road, Atherton knew from previous experience that if she made a noise it would make matters worse, said Andrew Ford, prosecuting on Tuesday at Liverpool Crown Court.

James Guest, aged 39, with whom she had been in a volatile relationship for six months, set upon her after they had had a heavy drinking session at her home and as a companion was leaving he saw him push Ms Pilkington into a radiator.

“Guest punched her in the head, face, and ribs," said Mr Ford.

Sentencing 39-year-old Guest, Judge Norman Wright said: “You rained blow after blow after blow on her. Looking at the injuries they are horrific.”

He told Guest that he should carry at least one of the police photographs with him so he is always reminded of what he was capable of doing under the influence of alcohol.

“This was an absolutely disgraceful attack on this lady. It was sustained, downstairs on the couch, upstairs when she was seated on the toilet and then in the bedroom with your hands around her throat,” said Judge Wright.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Ms Pilkington, 36, described as vulnerable, has visited Guest while he has been in prison and wants to continue their relationship so the judge declined a request by the prosecution to make a restraining order for Guest to keep away from her.

Guest, of St John Street, Atherton admitted wounding with intent on July 24.

After hearing Guest has served the equivalent of 12 months imprisonment while on remand, the judge imposed a two year jail sentence suspended for two years.

He also placed him under supervision for two years, attendance on a domestic abuse programme and ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.