A man attacked his wife in Swanley after consuming four litres of cider leaving her injured.
His wife found him asleep with empty cider cans. She sent their son to his room, knowing Devereaux might become abusive. He now lives in Taverham, Norwich. He admitted to assault in December.
The court delayed sentencing, and he learned his sentence on February 17. James Nicholls, the prosecutor, shared details, stating that the couple married in 1996 and have a ten-year-old son together.
Devereaux struggled with alcohol during their marriage. He was banned from contacting his wife for a year. She checked the house before entering on August 8, fearing he’d been drinking.
She saw him asleep surrounded by cans and told her son to go to his room. An argument began, and he pushed past her, raising his arm. He then pushed her against a door, restricting her breathing.
Their son told him to stop, and he then released her. Devereaux admitted to his actions during an interview but couldn’t recall much due to the alcohol. He consumed four liters of cider that day.
He apologized and wanted help with his addiction. A probation officer interviewed Devereaux, who claimed he was drinking less. His last drink was over a week prior, and he said he continued working on recovery.
The officer confirmed Devereaux sought help and attended groups for mental health. He also suffered some bereavements recently. The couple’s divorce would finalize in March.
Magistrates gave Devereaux a 12-month order. He must do 100 hours of unpaid work and needs to attend ten rehab sessions.
He must pay £299 in costs and surcharges and has 28 days to pay the full amount. He cannot contact his estranged wife for a year and must also stay away from her home.