A thug repeatedly assaulted his partner throughout their relationship by headbutting her and slapping her until her nose bled. Laszlo Magasparti, 41, of Newport, was in a relationship with the victim for three years but was violently abusive to her on a number of occasions. During the first incident, an argument began between the couple, and he slapped her across the face several times and held her by the throat.
At a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that there was another disturbing incident at a friend’s house when he wrapped his arms around her in a “bear hug,” including her neck, so she was unable to get free. He then hit her to the ribs at full force and followed her to the kitchen where he headbutted her, connecting with her nose. In total, there were four assaults, the last of which resulted in the victim calling the police, but Magasparti took the phone from her and told the call handler not to believe her.
Despite denying the offences and claiming he had only pushed her, Magasparti pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of assault by beating, and criminal damage. The court heard he had previous convictions for harassment and breach of a restraining order. In a victim personal statement read to the court, the victim spoke about the impact of the abuse on her mental health, stating that she still has nightmares as a result of the trauma.
In mitigation, Magasparti’s lawyer mentioned that his client hadn’t breached his bail conditions or tried to communicate with the victim since his release from prison. Sentencing him, Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant noted a significant pattern of domestic abuse and violence towards the victim, suggesting that alcohol may have been a contributing factor. Magasparti received a 40-week suspended prison sentence, with additional requirements to carry out unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation activity program, and join the Building Better Relationships programme.