Shildon man admits assaulting woman for remarks against mum (From The Advertiser Series)

Shildon man admits assaulting woman for remarks against mum

3:50pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

A SHILDON man who struck a woman across the face after she made disparaging remarks about a member of his family appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today (Wednesday, February 6).

Paul Edward Hudson, 29, of Ruby Street, Shildon, admitted causing bruises to the victim’s face and lip during the altercation at his aunt’s house on January 19.

John Garside, prosecuting, said the victim was a friend of Hudson’s aunt and had decided to stay over as she had been drinking and it was snowing heavily.

He said Hudson turned up at the property shortly after midnight and the pair chatted for some time.

“He then accused her of talking about his mother, stood up and punched her in the face,” said Mr Garside.

Chris Bunting, mitigating, said Hudson had lost his temper when the victim insulted his mother.

He added: “He pleads guilty to assault but he says he slapped her. He did not punch her.”

Magistrates heard how the offence had put Hudson in breach of a suspended sentence order, which he received in 2011 for common assault.

The case was adjourned until February 27 for probation reports.