"Headbutt" dad avoids jail in child abduction (Gloucester, England, United Kingdom)

We're told here that this couple had a "turbulent relationship," which implies mutual abuse.

But I don't see Mom headbutting Dad. I don't see her going to his house and having a hissy fit because he has a female friend there. Based on the evidence here, the abusive behavior is all pretty one-sided actually.

What are the actual reported facts? This guy shows up at the mom's house and reacts abusively because of this "other" man. Mom was concerned that the baby was at risk, so she tries to leave (her actions don't sound "turbulent" to me at all--in fact, they sound down right responsible). Dad throws a glass at her, which strikes her arm. He then pushes her away from the baby carriage, and Mom falls into a wall, cutting her head. Dad takes off with the baby. Mom takes after him (again, what's "turbulent" about that? It's what any protective mother would do when her baby's at risk, having been abducted by a person who has already acted violently). Mom finally catches up with him. Dad strikes her in the face, then headbutts her nose and lip.

I see NO EVIDENCE that Mom acted in a "turbulent" fashion in any way, shape, or form. Still, we have the defense attorney referring "their" problems and how "they" are "not good for each other." There ain't no "they" here, Honey. It's clearly a "his" and a "he" problem.

But the line of crap worked. Dad avoids jail and gets the usual worthless touchy feely supervision, drug rehab, and domestic violence programs.

And then, I can almost assure you, Dad will start the "turbulence" over again.

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucestershireheadlines/Gloucester-headbutt-dad-avoids-jail/article-1524591-detail/article.html

Gloucester headbutt dad avoids jail
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 07:04

A dad who headbutted his ex-girlfriend in a Gloucester street after snatching their child has walked free from court.

Ivor Elliott, 54, attacked Kirstie Munday, 22, leaving her with a 2cm cut to her head, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

The incident was part of the couple's "turbulent relationship" which involved drink and drugs, Judge William Hart was told.

Elliott, of Midland Road, Gloucester, admitted assaulting Ms Munday, causing her actual bodily harm, in London Road, Gloucester, on February 26.

He was given a community order with 18 months supervision and six months drug rehabilitation. He's also subject to a domestic abuse programme.

Julian Kesner, prosecuting said the couple were not living together at the time and Elliott was unhappy when he arrived at Ms Munday's home and saw a male friend of his there.

The two men argued and Ms Munday was concerned her baby son – of whom Elliott is the father – was at risk, so she left the house. As she was leaving, Elliott told her "I don't want you going out with him" and threw an empty pint glass which struck her arm.

Mr Kesner said: "He caught up with her and pushed her away from the buggy and walked off with the pushchair and baby. Elliott didn't see the effect of his push, which was that her head hit a wall. She picked herself up and saw the defendant holding the pushchair and walking away.

"She ran after him. At traffic lights in London Road she caught up with him. There was a further argument.

"He struck her in the face. During the course of this struggle he thrust his head forwards, knowing she was close and without regard to whether he made contact. As a result she was effectively head-butted in the face. He made contact with her nose and upper lip."

Kirsty Real, defending, said: "Mr Elliott only wants to get back with her if they both sort out their problems. He knows they are not good for each other at the present time."