A man convicted of domestic violence told a judge: "I'm open to anything - custody or unpaid work."
Remorseful Shaquille Thomas-Hodge told Bristol Crown Court he was sorry for his actions when his relationship turned sour. Representing himself in court, he said he was ready to take his punishment.
The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He also admitted three charges of assault by beating and one of criminal damage.
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Judge Martin Picton handed him a 21-month jail term suspended for two years. He told Thomas-Hodge: "I am entirely satisfied that the defendant's remorse for the appalling behaviour he engaged in is genuine.
"That doesn't wipe out the wrong that you did. These were ugly offences in a domestic violence situation."
Thomas-Hodge was told to undergo a Building Better Relationships programme, as well as rehabilitation. He was given a five-year restraining order to have no contact with his victim.
Tabitha Macfarlane, prosecuting, said the defendant met a woman via social media in August 2020 and they shared a home in Weston-super-Mare from the October. But the relationship soured and became volatile, with Thomas-Hodge degrading her about how she looked and who she talked to.
Miss Macfarlane said Thomas-Hodge, of Wretham Road in Birmingham, dragged the woman across a floor and threw hot water from a kettle over her. Further violence included: Thomas-Hodge biting her cheek, placing his hands around her throat, and pushing her against a wall.
The victim made an impact statement in which she said Thomas-Hodge changed her into a completely different person. She stated: "The emotional scars are much more difficult than the bruises."
In further statements Thomas-Hodge's sister described how he could be "kind, gentle and patient". His father also spoke warmly of him.
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