A local man has been handed a suspended sentence and a fine after assaulting a pregnant woman.
28 year old Jayden Zarb pleaded guilty to four charges that included Actual Bodily Harm and harassing conduct – relating to offences that took place in 2022 and 2023.
During one incident, Zarb is said to have strangled the complainant.
At the Magistrates’ court the Lay Bench described Jayden Zarb’s behaviour as abhorrent as he was handed a twelve-month custodial sentence, suspended for three years.
The suspension means he avoids prison, although his sentence may be activated if he commits another offence, especially one of a similar nature.
Zarb was also ordered to pay his victim £1000 in compensation.
The Lay Bench explained the reason for suspending the sentence was partly due to the time that has passed since the offences.
His lawyer, Jamie Hammond, said his client has now put this behaviour ‘entirely behind him’ with no similar offences reported.
The Lay Bench said the lengthy suspension was aimed at encouraging this to continue.
The sentencing had been delayed from the day before as two members of the Lay Bench failed to show up to court.
