Assault Charges

[organicfairy]

My ex-partner headbutted me a week ago, drawing blood. He was drunk and his and my kids were all witnesses. He then chucked his kids in the car to drive them to his mothers whilst well over the limit. I called the police who arrrested him and charged him with common assault and drink driving. From what I've read it should have been at least ABH if not GBH rather than common assault that he was charged with. Is this right?
Also, what sentence is he likely to get? - he's been imprisoned previously for threats to kill his wife and police and assault on a minor and has various drink driving and drugs offences under his belt too.
Will he go down?

[organicfairy]

Thanks for all your answers guys - he's an alcoholic with a history of violence. Will the court make any recommendation that he get help with his drinking? If 3 previous custodial sentences don't seem to have made him change his ways surely the CPS will realise he needs to address his alcoholism?

[FredPuli43]

I am an alcoholic in recovery. Believe me, if he hasn't sought help for himself by now and stuck with it, he won't be helped by a court saying so. We don't listen, because we can't; the drink addiction stops us. If he's banged up,as an alcoholic, the authorities should stop him suffering the worst symptoms of withdrawal, but that won't cure him. And while he is still drinking, he is a menace to the safety of partners, not to mention to people on the roads, the general public.

[EDDIE51]

Elley sorry but READ the original question.
He has ALREADY served jail sentences for threats to kill and assault PLUS he has a number of drink and drugs driving convictions.
He IS going down for several years ! plus a long driving ban.

[EDDIE51]

organicfairy your last post crossed with my answer.
His only hope is that he gets a sentence of several years, so that he has time to 'dry out' while in jail .
Even that will not work unless he admits he has a problem and wants to get help.

[organicfairy]

Thanks for your honesty Fred - tbh I still love him and I miss him but I know that he's no good 4 me even if he goes into recovery. I was married to an alcoholic for 10 years and had 3 beautiful children with him but the relationship was never going to work. Fair play to you for dealing with it :)

[organicfairy]

Thanks for answers too Eddie - I no that he needs to do that for himself and hope he manages it. My ex-husband only chose to start his recovery 2 and a half years after we left him and even then only when I stopped him seeing the kids for a year

[organicfairy]

Does anyone know if I would be allowed to attend the court case as an observer? Obviously I will find out what sentence he gets but I would like to be there

[EDDIE51]

Court cases are open to anyone to sit in the public gallery and listen to the case, just turn up on the day.
If he is sent to jail ( very likely) he will be taken straight from the dock to the cells, so going to court may be the only way to find out the full story.

[organicfairy]

Eddie, I don't know where or what time the court case is. Will the police tell me or can I find out another way?

[EDDIE51]

The will tell you, you are the victim and made the call to the police. It may be weeks or months before the case comes up though.