A former RNLI lifeboatman has avoided jail after kicking his wife during a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Alan Dop, 45, from Pwllheli, Gwynedd, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating at Caernarfon Crown Court.
The court heard that in August last year, Dop kicked his wife 'for no reason' while on a luxury cruise, causing bruising and swelling. He also grabbed her, shook her, and threw her across the room, injuring her back. The attack was witnessed by the couple's seven-year-old son. The victim said she felt unable to seek help because they were on a ship.
In a separate incident weeks later at their home, Dop became aggressive when his wife asked him to move to another room after he passed out drunk on the sofa. He grabbed her bicep, causing reddening and bruising, and put his forearm against her neck. When police arrived, Dop was nearly five times the legal drink-drive limit.
Judge Simon Mills sentenced Dop to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, saying he had missed jail by a 'millimetre'. The judge described Dop's attempts to blame the victim as 'absolutely disgraceful' and noted his 'unhealthy relationship with alcohol'. A seven-year restraining order was also imposed to protect the victim, with contact with their child to be arranged through a third party.
The Probation Service said Dop showed symptoms of PTSD from his time in the RNLI. His defence lawyer said he was remorseful and had previously helped others. However, the judge warned Dop was on his 'last chance'.
