AN ATTACKER has been jailed after repeatedly breaching his restraining order and causing actual bodily harm in a "reckless assault".

James Steele appeared before magistrates in Hereford for sentencing in February after admitting four counts of harassment by breach of a restraining order and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier hearing.

Hereford Times:

The court heard from prosecutor Paul John that the 35-year-old had made contact with a woman in Bromyard, in breach of his court-imposed restraining order, on December 1, 2, 8, and 11.

He had also assaulted a woman, causing her actual bodily harm, in an incident in Bromyard on December 1, the court heard.

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Magistrates said the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, as Steele has a persistent regard for court orders and had repeatedly breached his restraining order in a short period of time, and as a finger had been broken in a "reckless assault".

Steele, of Little Hereford Street, Bromyard, was jailed for a total of seven months and was ordered to pay compensation of £300 to the assault victim.

He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge, which is used to help fund services supporting victims of crime.

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