Nathan Stanley, 29, of Windsor Avenue, Leicestershire, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 16, after an incident at a Travelodge in Birmingham last October.
Attack During Argument Over Vape
The court heard that Stanley was staying at the hotel with his then-partner when an argument broke out over a vape. Prosecuting, Ms Butler said: "This incident happened on October 11, 2025 and it was at the Travelodge in Birmingham and a person that worked there, a housekeeper, heard some fighting in one of the rooms."
The housekeeper called 999, and police attended. The victim told officers that the couple had come to Birmingham the day before. During the argument, she was down with her back against the door when Stanley "pushed his way in and got into her face, so to speak, and then she said he punched her."
Injury and Police Response
The punch left the victim with a swollen black eye. Ms Butler added: "The swelling was consistent with quite a hard punch to the lady." Photographs taken by police showed the victim's right eye was "very swollen."
The victim declined to make a formal statement, but Stanley was charged based on her comments to officers and the distress and injury witnessed by the housekeeper. Stanley had no previous convictions and was silent during his police interview.
Aggravating Factors and Mitigation
Ms Butler noted that the domestic setting was an aggravating factor. She added: "She said there had been incidents in the past but this was the first time police had been contacted."
Mr Roy, mitigating, told the court: "It was an impulsive and short-lived assault. He has learning difficulties and mental health, which he describes himself as special needs. He has autism and dyspraxia. They were arguing over a vape. She pushed him and said something to him that made him angry and then he punched her."
Adjournment for Sentencing
The court adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Stanley was released on unconditional bail until August 17.
