A Gateshead man has appeared in court accused of repeatedly punching his girlfriend in the face while she was driving. Ethan Royston, of Scarborough Road, Blaydon, is also alleged to have smashed his partner's windows before forcing his way into her home and stealing a knife.
Alleged assault in Newcastle
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard the assault allegedly happened in Newcastle on June 25. Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said: "They were both in a car and the defendant [allegedly] started punching [the victim] in the face while she was driving and accusing her of sleeping with someone else."
Royston pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary and possession of a knife. He admitted one count of criminal damage.
Separate incident at Kenton home
The second incident allegedly occurred on September 30, when Royston reportedly turned up at his partner's home in Kenton at around 4am. Mr Anieto said: "He has pleaded guilty to damaging the windows."
The defendant was reported by the victim to be outside her home and he damaged the windows. Following this, police arrived and he made his way away from the location.
"The police leave the address and the defendant [allegedly] returns. It's said he attempted to get into the property by kicking the door then gained access through a kitchen window and stole a knife," Mr Anieto added.
Royston admitted damaging the windows by throwing rocks through them. Mark Styles, defending, said Royston denied ever going into the victim's home and that no knife was found on him or in the vicinity when he was arrested.
Bail conditions set
Magistrates accepted jurisdiction and listed the case for trial on January 8 next year. Royston was released on conditional bail, requiring him to abide by a curfew and an exclusion zone and not contact the victim.
