Released prisoner who threw hot coffee over woman in public is returned to jail

Daniel Rutherford had been staying at the Red Beck Motel in Crofton following his release from prison when he arranged to meet a female friend at the Doncaster Road hostelry on August 13 this year.

The 31-year-old was in possession of the woman's keys and phone from a previous meeting and they agreed to meet in the cafe area of the motel, Leeds Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Alisha Kaye said an argument soon followed and Rutherford stormed off. When the woman went outside he jumped out from behind some bushes before throwing her phone on the floor and stamping it.

He then pushed her in the bushes and spat in her face.

The scared woman then went back into the cafe area hoping she would be safe but Rutherford followed her and began shouting in her face.

He then punched her in the head and headbutted her before picking up the cup of coffee and throwing it over her torso and legs.

He was later arrested and returned to jail on licence. He admitted using violence and said he been infuriated because she had been kissing another man.

Rutherford has 31 convictions including violence, disorder and drug offences.

He admitted a charge of ABH and criminal damage as he appeared in court via video link from prison.

Eddison Flint, mitigating, said Rutherford suffered from ADHD and had been homeless, adding: "He has been in a cycle of short custodial sentences, being released and having no support network which put his feelings in a state of chaos and he ends up doing foolish things.

"This is the final straw for him. He is thoroughly ashamed for what he has done."

He said that Rutherford wanted to start a new life and move back to North Yorkshire where his family lived.

Judge Neil Clark jailed him for 12 months and imposed a five-year restraining order to stop him from contacting the female victim.