Man who slapped woman shares "embarrassment" in court

Thursday 30 March 2023

A 51-year-old who slapped a woman said it was a "big embarrassment" for him to have ended up in court ahead of being sentenced to a £3,400 fine and restraining order.

Jason Whiteman, who represented himself in the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, was previously found guilty of the assault following a trial.

Legal adviser Paul Lee, prosecuting, called for a restraining order to be imposed to prevent Whiteman having any contact with the victim.

Mr Lee added: "If he does see her he must take steps to avoid breaching that order."

Whiteman said: "I understand the restraining order - it’s a big embarrassment for me being here."

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said: ‘"You assaulted [the victim] with a single slap."

He added: "If you breach your order you will be back in court. You are 51 years old, you’ve got a solid job, you’ve got your house, you should not be here."

Whiteman was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £300 per month. A two-year restraining order imposed by the court prevents him from contacting the victim.