Readers have fumed after a man walked free after launching a sickening attack on his pregnant girlfriend.
On Friday, May 27 last year Mark Bond, 31, turned up at the home of his then girlfriend 'slurring his words' and 'under the influence of alcohol'. The couple, who were having a baby together, argued over his drinking, then later on Bond attacked her after she took her three-year-old son to bed.
Bond started hitting his pregnant girlfriend in the legs, before he began to punch her in the stomach. He made two fists with her hands and placed them on her midriff before using them to push himself up off the bed.
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He then told her he was leaving and began packing a bag, but then he turned violent again - pushing her and threatening to burn down her house with her inside. He continued his horrific assault by headbutting her, causing a nosebleed, then grabbing her by the neck.
His attack eventually came to an end when he punched a wall and left slamming the front door, causing the lock to break. Bond was later arrested at his home, before being released on bail.
While on bail Bond 'became angry' at his girlfriend, who had their recently born baby on her chest, and started hitting their French bulldog, before hitting her earlier this year, on Saturday, January 14.
Bond was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, while he admitted criminal damage and assault. He was handed a 18-month suspended sentence, and was also given a restraining order.
During his sentencing, Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew KC said: "It is clear that you are someone who has a real problem with drink and, as a consequence of that no doubt, a particular issue with violence towards partners with whom you are having an intimate relationship. Your conduct in relation to her was outrageous."
He later added: "There is a more constructive alternative. It seems to me that this is a situation where you and society would benefit from an alternative to immediate custody."
After the story broke, some readers have fumed at called an 'unbelievable' sentence. On Facebook, Alison Evans questioned the judge's decision, saying: "Really? How did the judge come to that conclusion?
"A person who is deliberately cruel and violent towards women and babies has no place in society. None at all."
One commenter, 'Shaz2028', said: "So he attacks a pregnant woman, punching her in the stomach. Then he hits her again, this time striking a little baby and hitting the dog. What is the judge not seeing?"
Another said 'why has he been allowed to walk free?' saying 'history shows us that restraining orders don't work' and 'the courts need to start taking domestic violence seriously.'
One commenter, 'What's the point 08', said: "Is this man safe to be out on the street? How many red flags does the judge need?"
'Tenebos' said: "Ladies remember his name and that face. Don't go anywhere near him.
"He is never going to change. He is always going to be a bully and a danger to women."
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