A former estate agent described by a judge as being “cruel and manipulative” has been jailed after attacking and attempting to smother his partner in an assault.
Frank Smart - previously an estate agent in Newmarket - was jailed for 28 months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Judge Emma Peters told him in Ipswich Crown Court: “Your actions were cruel, manipulative, calculated and violent, with hate-filled ranting and blaming of Miss Danielle Minns for everything, which is classic domestic abuser behaviour. Your behaviour that night was you overbearing her will and doing what you want.”
During the trial - which was interrupted because the judge had to self-isolate - Smart pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with two charges of threats to kill and assault by beating being dropped.
Defence counsel Jude Durr cited his client’s remorse, previous good character and guilty plea in mitigation.
The Crown Court hearing was followed immediately by a hearing in which Smart was charged with two counts of fraud brought by Suffolk Trading Standards relating to his former Newmarket estate agency.
Smart pleaded not guilty to both counts, and a pre trial hearing date has been set for January 21.
You can read a local media report here.
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