Suspended jail sentence for Boston man who assaulted partner while under the influence of ‘very strong spirits’

A man found guilty of assaulting his partner while under the influence of ‘very strong spirits’ has been warned he will go to jail if he gets into any more trouble.

Veisturs Gekmovs listened through a Russian interpreter as he was handed a 16-week suspended prison sentence when he appeared before Boston magistrates.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the 44-year-old, which appeared to depict him grabbing his partner of nine years - from who he has since split - along Wellington Road in Boston on March 1.

After she falls he is seen ‘holding her face’, as his defence solicitor Philippa Chatterton described.

Prosecutor Fiona McClelland explained that police were provided with CCTV footage of the incident by Boston Borough Council three days after the incident took place.

“The footage shows the complainant being assaulted by the defendant,” she said.

“Police attempted to arrest the defendant and the complainant was found hiding from police in the bathroom.

“The victim has never been supportive of the prosecution.”

In police interview Gekmovs - who has a 2023 conviction for battery - was shown the CCTV footage.

The defendant told officers he was hugging the victim and that because ‘the road surface was uneven she fell’, Miss McClelland said.

“He does accept he is much bigger than her and at the time he was in drink,” the prosecution added.

In defence, Philippa Chatterton said the footage shows her client grabbing the complainant and holding her face after she fell.

She also told the court that Gekmovs, of Station Street, Boston, was a changed man.

“He has a new relationship and has conceded alcohol has been a problem in the past, both for him and the complainant, who were both drinkers of very strong spirits” she said.

“He has a new partner, who doesn’t condone drinking. With her encouragement he has reduced his alcohol intake significantly and now doesn’t touch strong spirits, only having the occasional beer”

Gekmovs who received benefits, had previously been found guilty of assault by beating following a trial, but returned for sentencing on Wednesday (June 11) following the publication of a probation report.

He was handed a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation days and pay a £154 fine plus £620 costs.

“If you get in any more trouble in the next year you will go to prison,” magistrates told Gekmovs.