[A] SOUTH Cumbria man who assaulted his estranged wife and damaged her property has been sentenced by a judge.
David James Godbold appeared at Carlisle Crown Court to be punished for crimes against Victoria Godbold which he committed during the final throes of their broken-down marriage.
In mid-January, 32-year-old Godbold threw a metal ring box which struck her in the head as she turned, causing swelling and bruising. Later in the month, during another row, he hurled a £240 Sony speaker to the floor. Both offences took place at the Burneside family home.
Godbold admitted common assault and damaging property – crimes which put him in breach of a suspended eight-month prison term. This had been imposed for dangerous driving after he fell asleep at the wheel.
Godbold, now of Kentgate Place, Beezon Road, Kendal, was said to be a hard-working father-of-four who was sorry for “inexcusable” conduct which occurred at a stressful time.
He was ordered to complete a “building better relationships” course and, for the breach, 20 hours’ unpaid work. He was banned from approaching Mrs Godbold’s home for two years.
Recorder Julian Shaw told him: “You are 32 years old and you are an intelligent young man. You must learn to behave yourself.”