Booze-fuelled Matlock man attacked his partner

Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday, June 10, how Roderick Mandrell, 59, of Moorfield, Matlock, had been tracked down by his concerned partner to a park in the town where he assaulted her.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The couple had been in a long relationship but he began drinking and this caused problems until they separated in 2007 and then divorced in 2010.

“They resumed the relationship in 2013 but the defendant started drinking again and problems occurred again.

“On this occasion they were at home together and he had drunk a can of lager at 7am and later that morning he swore at her after she was taking the bedding off to wash.

“She tried to ignore him and went out and when she came back he had left the property and she went round Matlock looking for him and found him at the park drinking on a bench. He had a can of lager in his hand.”

The defendant abused her and accused her of not having a clue, according to Ms Haslam, but she still tried to get him home and he followed her to the car shouting and swearing.

Ms Haslam added: “The complainant was walking back towards the car and they crossed a bridge and the defendant pushed her with open hands in the chest and she stumbled backwards but stayed on her feet.”

The court heard how the couple went back to the car and went home and the complainant called her daughter and she called the police.

Ms Haslam added: “The complainant wants to get help for her partner’s alcohol issues and does not want a restraining order.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to committing assault by beating after the incident in May.

Mandrell, who represented himself, said: “I would like to apologise for my actions. I was in drink and had no recollection of the incident. I am not trying to trivialise or defend it. It happened. I apologise.”

The court heard how Mandrell is seeking help and he told the court he wants to sort out his drink problem.

Magistrate Martin Thacker said: “We are mindful of the defendant’s behaviour in a public place but we are also aware that he has a partner who loves and cares for him and there is genuine remorse.”

Mr Thacker adjourned the case until June 24 to allow probation officers to prepare a report before sentencing.