Man attacked wife in row over present

A man with severe paranoia lashed out at his partner, believing she was having affairs.
Wigan and Leigh CourthouseWigan and Leigh Courthouse
Wigan and Leigh Courthouse

Peter Jaggs, of Holt Street, Leigh, admitted assault by beating when he appeared before Wigan justices.

Prosecuting, Joanne Cronshaw said the 43-year-old and wife Kay’s relationship had deteriorated since moving to Leigh from Kent six months ago as he accused her of having affairs and often took her phone.

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On April 8 they went to see Mrs Jaggs’s mum for her birthday and on the way home argued about why she had not shown him the present she had bought. Back home Jaggs turned violent.

Ms Cronshaw said: “He drank wine and repeated the accusations, saying the complainant was being nasty to him. She put her fingers in her ears and started crying. She was in a chair and he stood in front of her. As she stood up, he pushed her using both hands on her chest and she fell back. His elbows weighed on her chest and he hit the left side of her face. Mrs Jaggs got up and saw blood on her hand from her eye. She had a bruised and swollen eye.”

Jaggs admitted assault but said he caught her with his elbow as he knelt to calm her down.

Representing himself, Jaggs said: “I am truly sorry for what happened. It was an accident. I would not dream of hitting her. Before the incident I had a drink problem but I am now getting help with my paranoia. I have been taking anti-depressants and feel better within myself now. I have also asked probation for help with my mental health.”

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The chairman of the magistrates said: “This was a sustained attack. There has been a history of controlling and abusive behaviour.”

Jaggs, who had one previous conviction, was given a 12-month community order, with 90 hours’ unpaid work; ordered to pay £85 court costs, an £85 victim surcharge and £100 compensation.

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