Retford: Dad-of-two wielded kitchen knife at partner and children during row

A Retford father-of-two who wielded a kitchen knife in front of his children during a dispute with his girlfriend before assaulting her has appeared in court.
Worksop Magistrates courtWorksop Magistrates court
Worksop Magistrates court

James Rich, 23, of Hallcroft Road, Retford, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing criminal damage to property at Worksop Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 16th October.

The court heard how Rich and his partner had been in a relationship for five years that had broken down when he began insulting her.

But on Friday 3rd October Rich’s partner telephoned asking for help with their two children as she was feeling unwell.

Rich arrived at the property and helped her with the children, but at around 7:15am the next morning his partner made a comment about getting the children ready for school which he took personally.

Ruth Snodin, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant began to shout before grabbing a kitchen knife and screaming, ‘I’ll show you.’”

“At this point the defendant’s partner became frightened and took the children upstairs before shutting herself in her bedroom.”

“Rich forced the door open which hit his partner on the side of the head while she hid behind it.”

“He then punched a hole in the wall and began to calm down,” Mrs Snodin added.

In a witness statement read aloud to the court, Rich’s partner said: “I feel stupid for letting James back into my life.”

“I thought it would be the best thing for me and my children, but I was wrong.”

“It caused me some pain when the door hit me on the side of the head.”

Defence solicitor David Verity said: “The defendant does show remorse for the incident and accepts that he has anger management issues.”

“His partner asked him to go round to her house to help look after their children as she was feeling weak due to illness- he was more than happy to do this, but unfortunately things escalated.”

“Rich is very adamant that he did not use the knife to threaten anybody, especially not his children>”

“He claims his partner owes his mother money and he grabbed the knife in a bid to open an electrical box that contained money, it was done in anger.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until Thursday 30th October at Worksop Magistrates’ Court.

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