Fleetwood man jailed following ex-partner attack

8:59am Monday 14th April 2008

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A man who attacked his ex-partner has been jailed for a total of two and a half years.

Preston Crown Court heard that he told police he would have probably stabbed her new boyfriend if he had been there.

The woman, Melanie Burns, said part of the violence had involved Shaun Croasdale kicking her to the back of her head.

He denied having the kicking allegation but the judge said he preferred the evidence of Miss Burns.

The 37-year-old defendant of Duncan Place, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and using threatening behaviour.

The attack at the former partner's home took place last month at Wingrove Road, Fleetwood.

Mr Paul Brookwell, prosecuting, said it was the Crown's case that Croasdale had entered the house with the intention of stabbing someone who was not present at the time.

It was alleged that he pushed Melanie Burns to the floor and kicked her.

She also claimed that Croasdale pulled out a 12ins kitchen knife.

The court also heard that he told police that if her new boyfriend had been there, he would probably have stabbed him.

After hearing evidence over the kicking issue, Recorder Simon Killeen said he sentenced Croasdale on the basis he had kicked her.

Passing sentence, Recorder Killeen said the accused was "in a rage" and had completely lost his control and temper.

"This is a unique situation in which you just snapped," said the judge.

"You were completely out of control and she was frightened and it was done in front of children"

Mr Roger Baldwin, defending, desdcribed his client as a hard working, committed family man who bitterly regretted what he had done.

He had not wanted Miss Burns to give evidence as she had suffered enough and Croasdale wished to apologise to her.

It must, he said, have been a terrible shock to hear she had been having an affair having denied it.