Man urged to curb violent tendencies (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Man urged to curb violent tendencies

8:50am Tuesday 27th May 2008 in Swindon By Emily Walker

A MAN who had been ordered to take classes to become less aggressive has admitted punching a man and destroying a woman's washing line in a rage.

Gavin Lillington, of Bilborough Drive, Park South, admitted common assault and criminal damage at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The court heard that on November 23 last year Brett Slipper was driving his car when Lillington reached in and punched him repeatedly in the face through the open car window.

"He started to hit and hit and hit to the face with a closed fist," said prosecutor Rosie Bone.

"A neighbour called Sally came out and had to drag him off him.

"In interview Lillington made a full and frank admission.

"On December 24 he caused damage to a rotary washing line belonging to the same people.

"A witness said they saw Lillington take it from the stand and throw it over the fence.

"When the owner returned she found the washing line on the ground bent and buckled."

Mrs Bone told the court that Lillington had a list of previous convictions - most of which were "substantive offending, assaults and criminal damage".

Gordon Hotson, defending, said: "These offences were almost six months ago.

"He has since then kept out of trouble. He is due to start a probation service aggression replacement training course very shortly.

"That was considered necessary when given a community order in Taunton.

"He was in breach of the order in 2007 but since then had knuckled down."

Magistrates said they considered the confined scene of the assault an aggravating factor, as well as the fact that he threw multiple punches.

Lillington was given a one-year community punishment, including 140 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £40 compensation for the damage to the washing line, plus £60 costs.