A homeless Isle of Wight man punched a woman in the face, inflicting injuries, after she gave him a place to stay for the night.
Martin D’Arcy, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on August 15.
Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said a friend of the 53-year-old offered him a place to stay for the night, knowing he is homeless.
During the evening, D’Arcy’s friend and her housemate drank alcohol and took pills with him, said Ms Stone.
Ms Stone told the court that the following morning, on July 15, the victim was sitting on her sofa when D’Arcy hit her in the face with his right fist, sending her flying across the floor and causing bruising to her eye.
Barry Arnett, defending, said the tablets the trio were taking that evening were his client’s medication, which he claims he was unaware of at the time.
Mr Arnett said despite four convictions this year already, his client is now doing well and is engaging with the probation service.
D’Arcy, who has ongoing mental health issues, is very upset with himself despite having little recollection, said Mr Arnett.
Magistrates handed D’Arcy a 12-month community order to include 70 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £10 compensation, a £114 surcharge and £85 in costs.
Share