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Earby dad's 137 abusive text messages to ex
A MIDDLE-AGED dad who harassed his ex-partner grabbed her hair, punched her and made her bang her head on the pavement, a court was told.
Engineer Grahame Banks had never assaulted the victim Carla Abrahams during their two-year relationship but did so after they split up last October, Pennine magistrates heard.
In November, Banks grabbed her hair and pushed her to the floor after she turned up at his home and kicked the door. He threw her into the dining room where she hit her head and then pulled her to the ground as she walked up the garden path.
The court was told Miss Abrahams, who was said to have called the defendant from Spain to wish him luck in court, suffered grazes and a lump to her head.
Banks had been given a warning by police but in February, at 8-45 p.m., arrived at the victim's home, where she was with her six-year-old daughter in the dark as there had been a power cut. He was drunk and upset and wanted to be let in. The child was hysterical but the defendant threatened to smash the windows if he was not allowed in. He laughed because the power was off.
The court was told the defendant also sent 137 abusive text messages to Miss Abrahams and told her: "You can run, but you can't hide."
Banks (44), of School Lane, Earby, admitted harassment between last November and May. He was given 16 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, with 180 hours unpaid work, 500 compensation and 150 costs. The Bench also imposed a 12-month restraining order, banning the defendant from communicating with the victim, or going within 10m of Victoria Road, Earby.
Mr Dylan Bradshaw (defending) said Banks had clearly persuaded the probation service he regretted what he had done. He had an unhealthy relationship with drink and other substances.
The defendant would be lucky if he did not go to jail. The relationship was clearly volatile but Banks admitted he had been out of order.
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Weather for Pendle
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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