A MAN in his 20s was given a suspended sentence after assaulting a woman by beating and defying a restraining order.

Kieran Alexander Mander, aged 23, of Vockins Close, Tidworth, pleaded guilty to the assault, which took place in Salisbury on March 20.

He also damaged a mobile phone belonging to the victim.

Heard at Swindon Magistrates' Court two days after the attack, Mander indicated a plea of guilty to contacting the victim and attending an address, despite a restraining order in force, also on March 20.

Between March 13 and 14 Mander sent a message that was “grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character”, the court heard.

Mander was committed to prison for 20 weeks suspended for 24 months. This means if Mander was to reoffend during this time his jail sentence could be enforced.

He must attend activities and appointments as instructed by an officer and a varied restraining order was issued, which will last until March 2024.

Mander was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.

His time spent in custody was considered time served for the offence.

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