A MAN from Rhyl who inflicted repeated blows on his daughter before resisting his arrest in Abergele has been spared jail.

Nigel Gray, 55, of Water Street, was sentenced to five months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (July 21).

He had previously been convicted of two counts of assault, and of resisting a constable and using threatening behaviour, before magistrates, and later lost his appeal against these convictions.

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Prosecuting, Thomas McLoughlin told the court that, on November 24, 2022, Leanne Gray, the defendant’s adult daughter, was staying at the home of Julian Ellis on South Parade, Abergele.

At about 7am that morning, Gray came through Mr Ellis’ door and appeared to his daughter to be intoxicated – this incident came shortly after an alcohol monitoring period for the defendant had ended following a previous offence.

He punched her, and she ran screaming into Mr Ellis’ bedroom, before assaulting her again with what was described as a “windmill motion”.

Gray then also headbutted Mr Ellis, who was woken by the defendant’s arrival at his home.

Police were called, and upon the arrival of two officers, Gray was abusive to them and resisted their efforts to arrest him.

While on Marine Road, in the view of other members of the public including children, Gray was heard to have shouted “f*** you” at the officers.

These offences all placed him in breach of a previous suspended sentence issued to him in June 2022 (22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years).

Defending Gray, who had 14 previous convictions for 18 offences, Elen Owen said that he had a history of alcohol and mental health problems, and is currently homeless.

He has also been taken on by a substance misuse team, albeit he has not starting receiving professional treatment from them yet.

Other than this incident, Gray was said to have “performed well following the imposition of the previous suspended sentence”, and had a “history of good compliance” with such orders.

Gray has also not re-offended since this matter and has also reconciled with his daughter, she said.

And though she said he “can’t complain” if he was to be sent to be prison immediately, she invited the court to consider drawing back from immediate custody in this case.

Sentencing, Judge Nicola Saffman also sentenced Gray to 40 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement days, and five additional days on the existing suspended sentence.

She refrained from activating the suspended sentence, deeming it “unjust” to do so in light of Gray’s progress.

A 10-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting Mr Ellis, was also issued.

Gray will pay a £154 statutory surcharge.

Judge Saffman told him: “You went straight back to drink (after alcohol monitoring period), but since then, you’ve committed no further offences.

“It’s clear to me that you’ve successfully completed all of the requirements under that order.

“I’m satisfied that alcohol is no longer an issue which would lead to you committing further offences.

“This was a prolonged assault, and there was more than a minor injury. He (Mr Ellis) was in bed, asleep, when you barged in.

“Since November, you’ve taken significant steps to rehabilitate yourself, in spite of your mental health problems which are severe, and the fact you have no home.

“No more than that can be asked of you.

“I hope I’ll never see you again, Mr Gray.”