House husband spared prison

A HOUSE husband who looks after four children was spared prison after he got involved in a couple's domestic dispute and assaulted the husband.

Michael Leake, 32, had turned his life around after ridding himself of a drug addiction, Luton Crown Court was told.

His barrister said a letter Leake's wife had written to the court praising her husband had "moved him to tears".

Leake, of Waltham Road, Hitchin, pleaded guilty to assaulting Joseph Cook causing actual bodily harm, although he disputed that he stamped on the man's head.

A hearing was held last month where the victim gave evidence and Judge Barbara Mensah ruled that he had been stamped on. He said after the assault he could see a footprint on his forehead.

Isabel Delamere, prosecuting on Monday, said Mr Cook was having a dispute with his ex-wife over money and Leake got involved on her behalf.

Stephen Akinsanya, defending, said: "There was a scuffle and he lost control but finds it difficult to accept he stamped on him. He is not predisposed to violence. He was responding to a cry for help from a family friend but he was stupid to get involved in another couple's dispute.

"This is a man who has come an awfully long way. He has coped with his personal demons of drug addiction and is a house husband and proud and responsible father to four young children.

"His wife's letter moved me to tears and he has a ringing endorsement from his mother-in-law."

Leake was given a 32-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, put under supervision and ordered to pay £170 compensation.

Judge Barbara Mensah told him: "You went looking for the victim and attacked him. When he fell to the ground you stamped on him. But there was a background to the offence and if you went to prison immediately it would impact on your children.