Jealous Farnley husband attacked his wife with cricket bat, Leeds Crown Court told

Leeds Crown Court was told the prosecution only had defendant David Duzda's account of the incident, because prosecutors cannot trace his victim.

Prosecutor Nicoleta Alistari said: "We cannot find the complainant and we have no medical evidence."

Miss Alistari said 23-year-old Duzda, of Tong Road, Farnley, had said he had caught his wife cheating with another man and had attempted to hit the man with a cricket bat.

Miss Alistari said: "The complainant intervened and she was the one who was hit on her arm by a cricket bat, causing injuries."

Miss Alistari said on another occasion Duzda slapped his wife as he was "suspicious as to her faithfulness."

Miss Alistari added: "She ran out of the house and sought help from staff at a public library."

The court heard Duzda had been married to the complainant for about three years and they have two children together.

Duzda, who has no previous convictions, admitted assault causing harm and common assault.

Miss Alistari said the offences happened between January and February 10.

Sean Smith, mitigating, said: The defendant regrets his actions. and wishes me to tell the court he regrets what has happened and apologises to the court.

Mr Smith said Duzda, who has spent five months in custody, does not know where his wife and two children are.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC imposed a five-year restraining order, banning Duzda from contacting his victim directly or indirectly except via solicitors in connection with contact with the children.

Judge Stubbs sentenced Duzda to an 18-month community order plus 20 rehabilitation activity days.

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Laura Collins