Kenneth Ian Burton sentenced for assaulting wife after he wrapped his hands around her neck
A South East Queensland father who squeezed his hands around his wife’s neck had lost his temper during a “childish” argument over dishwashing liquid and a car park, a court has heard.
Ipswich
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A Hatton Vale father has landed in court after he lost his temper and assaulted his ex-wife during a “childish” argument over a dishwashing liquid and a parking space.
Kenneth Ian Burton, 54, was fined $1500 for the attack that saw him push him wife onto a bed, get on top of her and wrap his hands around her throat.
Burton pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm – domestic violence offence.
Crown prosecutor Amy Stannard said Burton and his ex-wife were separated but living together and sleeping in different rooms at the time of the assault in September last year.
The court heard Burton’s ex-wife had returned home on September 13 to find the shed where she usually parked her car was locked.
The woman found Burton drinking beer and having a barbecue by himself when she went inside to find the keys.
She unlocked the shed and parked her car before retreating to her bedroom.
It was then that Burton followed her, pulled her door shut and demanded the keys from her before pushing her backwards on to her bed.
Burton got on top of her and wrapped his hands around her throat, tight enough to leave a red mark but not so that her breathing was affected.
Police were called and Burton initially told officers the assault was “accidental.”
Defence barrister Stephen Kissick said Burton acted “childishly” and had locked the shed after the woman had refused to pay for dishwashing liquid.
“(He thought) if she won’t contribute, she can’t park in the shed,” he said.
The court heard Burton had drunk about eight beers that day but police had no difficulty speaking with him after the attack.
Mr Kissick said Burton was remorseful and that his relationship with his ex-wife was tense.
He said Burton would talk on the phone to his new girlfriend, who lived overseas, while still living with his wife.
Burton was fined $1500 to be paid within three months or referred to SPER after that period.
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