Dad grabs mom's throat while they're discussing custody; she was holding their one-year-old (Lincoln, United Kingdom)

Dad DEAN ARMSTRONG and his ex-girlfriend, the mother of their one-year-old daughter, were discussing custody issues when dad became violent. The mother managed to pick up the baby, who was crying. Then dad grabbed the girlfriend's throat while she was still holding the baby. Doctors have confirmed bruising on the mother's throat. Dad pleaded guilty to one charge of assault, but escaped jail time. Instead he will do community volunteering and attend an "Integrated Domestic Violence Programme" (e.g. the kind of slap on the wrist that means nothing to abusers).

Is this dad a candidate for ANY custodial rights or visitation? I think NOT.

Community work for dad who attacked mum
Wednesday, July 01, 2009, 06:30

A Lincoln dad who grabbed his ex-girlfriend's throat while she held their one year old daughter has been spared jail.

Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard that Dean Armstrong, of Crofton Drive, Lincoln, was invited to stay overnight at Diana Marshall's house after the pair's young daughter fell ill.

The 19-year-old was still at the address the following day on May 22 but they started arguing about custody issues in the living room.

Miss Marshall then received a message on her phone which caused the situation to escalate.
Armstrong wanted to know who the message was from and grabbed hold of Miss Marshall's wrist as she took the phone out of her trouser pocket.

Prosecutor Jill Derby said: "She was sitting on the sofa and he still had hold of her wrist. She tried to kick out as he was stood directly in front of her. Her foot caught him and Mr Armstrong let go.

"She then went to pick up her daughter who was on the floor crying, watching what was happening."

Miss Marshall took the baby into the kitchen with Armstrong following the pair.

"He said 'come to daddy' but Miss Marshall said 'she won't come to you as she has seen you hurt me'," Mrs Derby told the court.

At this point Armstrong attacked Miss Marshall while she was still holding the baby.
Mrs Derby said: "He squeezed her throat so hard she could hardly breath. She couldn't call for help.

"A doctor confirmed bruising to the throat and swollen glands which caused discomfort for her when eating and drinking."

In mitigation, John Bradley said his client was quick to admit his mistake and apologised at the scene.

Armstrong pleaded guilty to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was given a 24-month community order with supervision requirements.

Armstrong must also complete 80 hours of unpaid community work, attend an Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme and pay Miss Marshall £150 in compensation.