A man violently attacked a woman and shook a baby after receiving a call regarding problems with his benefit payment.
Daniel Williams became "angry and aggressive" following a call from the Job Centre on March 8 this year and took his frustration out on a woman before "shaking" a baby. The 21-year-old also caused damage to a door by punching it before he was arrested.
Williams, of West Denton, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for child cruelty, assault, and criminal damage. He had pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.
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Joe Culley, prosecuting, said on the morning of March 8, Williams received a call from the job centre regarding problems with his benefit payment. He said: "That angered him and he became angry and aggressive. He was shouting and swearing." Mr Culley said that Williams was so angry, he went on to carry out an attack on a woman. He also punched a door, causing damage.
The court heard Williams threw the woman to the floor and accidentally "stood on her arm" before pushing her into a door frame. Mr Culley said that at some point during the assault, Williams grabbed hold of a baby and began "shaking" it "hard" while making terrifying threats. Mr Culley said that police soon arrested Williams, who left the woman "extremely distressed" and injured. The court heard that the infant that was shaken did not suffer "any harm or injury".
The court heard Williams had previous convictions, including for sending malicious communications and criminal damage. He also received a caution for assault.
Stuart Graham, defending, said Williams had shown "embarrassment and remorse" for what he did and said he was willing to work with the probation service. He said Williams had entered an early guilty plea and had shown "victim empathy". Mr Graham added Williams had had a "short, sharp shock in custody". The court heard he had also been diagnosed with ADHD.
Judge Stephen Earl sentenced Williams to seven months prison, suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 40 rehabilitation days. He must pay a £156 victim surcharge and was made subject of a three year restraining order.
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