Former Royal Navy serviceman assaulted mother of his child when she filmed him taking food from their fridge

Andrew Gill, 30, of Lilac Avenue, South Shields, reached over her shoulder to try to get her mobile, causing them to tumble.

It happened after she accused him of taking grub he had bought which she claimed was meant for her three children.

She then told him she was broadcasting her filming live on social media, on May 13 last year, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

The woman landed on her stomach and he on her back, at which moment her eight-year-old daughter walked in after coming downstairs.

The youngster only witnessed Gill lifting himself up, and immediately returned upstairs, it was said.

Moments later, he pulled his victim back when she went to the front door with the intention of throwing out some of his belongings.

Prosecutor Lesley Burgess said: “What aggravates this matter is that there were three children upstairs while this was happening.

“One came downstairs and saw part of what was happening. It aggravates the matter that something has been witnessed by the child.”

The court heard Gill, who pleaded guilty to assault, is the father of one of the woman’s three children and the couple had now split up.

Michelle Stonley, defending, said: “The girl has come down the stairs, but the incident had already happened.

“She did not witness what went on and she was not present in the room at the time.

“He accepts that his behaviour that day was unacceptable, but he stresses that he meant no harm. He regrets his actions.

“He feels deeply ashamed by his actions, that have resulted in him losing his good character.

“He was in the Royal Navy for five years and left because he was always away and never saw his family.

“You can have confidence that you will not see Mr Gill before the court again.”

Retail worker Gill, who is of previous good character, was fined £122 and must pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Magistrates imposed an indefinite restraining order against him, save for child contact, arranged via a solicitor.

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