Malvern man who assaulted woman in One-Stop shop

Damien Knight, of Meadow Sweet Court, Malvern, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on to be sentenced for assault by beating.

Knight also accepted he had breached a suspended jail sentence and had failed to previously turn up for his sentence hearing.

JAILED: Damien Knight walking out of Worcester Magistrates Court after an earlier hearing. Picture: Sam Greenway/Newsquest (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Joshua Purser, prosecuting, told the court that the 26-year-old had committed the offence in the One-Stop shop in Malvern earlier this year. 

The prosecutor explained Knight had been in a relationship with the victim but they separated in January this year after the previous assault. 

Mr Purser said at 6.30am on March 12 Knight went to the home of the victim shouting to get her to answer the door. 

The prosecutor said the pair had previously argued and she suspected Knight wanted to continue the argument. 

After Knight left, the victim left her home and went to the shop.

But the defendant followed her despite being told to leave her alone. 

While in the shop she was upset and called the police, the prosecutor said.

JAILED: Damien Knight was jailed at Worcester Crown Court (Image: Hereford Times)

"As she explained to the operator what was happening the defendant went over to her and tried to grab her phone from her hand," Mr Purser said.

"He grabbed her by the wrist."

The pair fell to the floor and, after a witness approached, Knight then got up, apologised and left.

Mr Purser added Knight had six previous convictions, including assault on the same victim. 

Simon Phillips, defending, said there was no intention by Knight to cause serious harm. 

"This was a stupid incident, he was stupid to go there," Mr Phillips said. 

He added the defendant had prepared for custody.

Damien Knight promises judge he will 'stay away' from the victim

Judge Martin Jackson said: "This was domestic assault, committed out in public.

"You were under the influence of an intoxicant - you talked about getting wasted in (police) interview."

The judge jailed Knight for a total of 18 months. 

He also ordered a two-year restraining order be put in place, warning Knight if he contacted the victim he would be committing a criminal offence that could also see him receive further jail time. 

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At the end of the hearing Knight, who appeared on videolink, asked to speak. 

Mr Knight said: "I'm very sorry.

"I've got an opportunity of a fresh start when I'm released.

"I'll look to stay well away from her [the victim]."

The judge added: "Take advantage of that fresh start".