WOLSTANTON, England — A former soldier has avoided an immediate prison sentence following a violent incident involving his ex-partner, marking a complex case of domestic abuse intertwined with military history and struggles with alcohol.
Lee Kelly, 48, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a confrontation at his ex-partner’s home last November. The couple had been out drinking before returning to her residence, where an argument escalated. Prosecutor Lee Stone detailed that the situation turned aggressive when Kelly headbutted the woman and pinned her down on the sofa, actions described as particularly serious due to their domestic nature and his intoxication at the time.
The incident occurred after a night of Christmas shopping, during which tensions mounted. Kelly initially left the home to deescalate the dispute but returned to ignite further conflict. His defense attorney, Andrew Bennett, indicated that alcohol played a significant role, revealing Kelly’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his military service. Bennett emphasized that the defendant realizes his behavior during the incident was unacceptable and expressed genuine remorse.
Stone stressed the severity of the assault, labeling Kelly’s actions as domestic violence that warranted serious consideration. Furthermore, he clarified the implications of using one’s head as a weapon, underscoring the brutality of the act within the context of their relationship.
In court, Kelly accepted full responsibility for his behavior, acknowledging that he overreacted during the altercation fueled by alcohol. Despite the serious nature of the charges, his defense sought leniency, arguing that Kelly had proactively taken steps to manage his alcohol intake and change his lifestyle since the incident.
After deliberations, the court sentenced Kelly to 12 months in prison, which was suspended for 18 months. He will also be required to attend an 18-month rehabilitation program and undergo 120 days of alcohol monitoring. Additionally, the court imposed an 18-month restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his ex-partner.
As part of his sentence, Kelly was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the victim, alongside £200 in court costs and a £187 victim surcharge. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals grappling with the repercussions of both military service and personal relationships, particularly in contexts where mental health issues and alcohol misuse intertwine.