A MAN arrested in Colchester after he got drunk instead of attending his court hearing has been allowed to walk free again.
Wayne Osborn, 36, was found in Colchester on July 7 having breached his bail by failing to attend Chelmsford Crown Court as required.
He was due to be sentenced after admitting assault causing grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Police officers arrested Osborn and he was hauled in front of the same court today (Thursday).
Caught - Wayne Osborn was located in Colchester after failing to attend court (Image: Newsquest)
Recorder Alun Eynon-Evans said Osborn claimed to have lost his phone while intoxicated and was unaware he was due in court.
With the defendant now before him, the recorder was able to sentence him for the original offences.
Hannah Wilson, prosecuting, said Osborn got “very drunk” on June 24, 2021, during a gathering at a female friend’s house in Harlow.
He confronted the homeowner’s son during the evening and when challenged by his girlfriend, grabbed her by the throat and held her for about 30 seconds.
Hearing - Osborn was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court, in the magistrates building
She left the property with the owner but was followed by Osborn, who launched an attack on her and pushed the friend over.
Ms Wilson said the friend’s wrist snapped upon impact of hitting the floor amid Osborn’s “prolonged and persistent attack”.
Osborn then took his partner inside where he pushed her onto a bed, pinned her down and grabbed her around the throat.
Police were called to the address and Osborn, of St Michael’s Close, Harlow, was arrested at the scene, before being bailed.
He would later breach his bail and was arrested in Colchester earlier this month.
Ruth Reid, mitigating, said Osborn suffers from PTSD as a result of a “traumatic incident” from his past.
She said: “Unfortunately he suffers with alcohol dependency which has been entrenched in his life. However, there is a lot of scope for improvement.”
Osborn admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm and breaching his bail.
He was handed a suspended two year prison sentence by Recorder Eynon-Evans.
A five year restraining order was imposed banning him from contacting the two female victims.
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