A father from the West Midlands has avoided an immediate prison term after a drunken Christmas Eve argument over childcare escalated into a violent assault on his own daughter.
Holiday Celebration Turns Violent
David Treadwell, aged 59 and from Tipton, Sandwell, lost control during a family stay at a holiday cottage in Oakamoor, Staffordshire, on 24 December last year. The court heard he had consumed approximately 15 pints of beer before confronting his daughter, accusing her of taking advantage of his wife regarding childcare arrangements.
The situation rapidly deteriorated when his daughter, described as confrontational, threw a beer can at him. Treadwell retaliated by throwing a dog bowl, which missed but drenched her in water. He then punched her in the face, giving her a black eye, before proceeding to strangle her.
A Chilling Threat and Court Outcome
Prosecutor Tom Griffiths told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Treadwell pushed his daughter to the floor and tightened his grip around her neck for at least 30 seconds, impeding her breathing. When his wife intervened, he chillingly asked: "Do you both want to die tonight?"
The victim managed to escape and call the police. Treadwell later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.
Suspended Sentence and Judge's Condemnation
Despite the severity of the attack, Recorder Robert Smith sentenced Treadwell to 13 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. The judge cited the defendant's previous good character, remorse, and excellent prospects of rehabilitation as mitigating factors.
However, the judge was scathing in his remarks, stating: "You ruined Christmas for your family last year. You turned the season of peace and goodwill into a violent Christmas from hell. Any man who hits a woman is a coward. It was despicable behaviour. You behaved like a drunken bully."
In addition to the suspended sentence, Treadwell must complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 in costs.
Defence barrister Barry White said the behaviour was completely out of character for Treadwell, who is a hard-working family man, and that the family wished to move on from the incident.
