Winchester man, 29, who assaulted woman given community order

Liam Thomas Pritchard, 29, of The Valley, Stanmore, assaulted the woman and smashed her phone at his flat on Saturday, May 25, 2024, a court heard.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, January 19, dressed in a hoodie, black coat and blue cap, he was sentenced by Judge James Bromige more than a year after he committed his crime.

David Tremain, prosecutor, said that Pritchard and the woman, with whom the defendant had previously been in a relationship, had met for drinks in Southampton before travelling back to Pritchard’s flat.

It was there that the two of them had an argument, with Pritchard “pushing her into a table”, and destroying her phone by throwing it. He then called the police and admitted to the offences.

Mr Tremain added that the defendant has not interacted with the woman since the incident.

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Mitigating, Gaylene Coles said that Pritchard has several disabilities, including autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder, as well as learning difficulties..

She continued: “He is 29 years old. He lives in a housing accommodation with his dog. His goal in life is to find a job. Being in part-time work as a caterer is what he would like to do. He has not been in touch with the claimant since 2024, as my learned colleague has said. He has expressed remorse to me over this incident in the way I have been instructed.”

She added that Pritchard had requested and would benefit from support.

The judge sentenced him to a 12-month community order. He must also complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

A six-week tagged curfew has also been put in place, with Pritchard not allowed to leave his property between 9pm and 7am.

Judge Bromige said that the woman “was vulnerable as she was a stranger to Southampton. She had driven from far away and was in your flat. You were also drunk at the time.

“Your counsel has said you are full of remorse. If you breach the curfew, you will be in breach of the community order, which could result in custody. I make no order for costs and there is no application for a restraining order. There is no application for compensation.”