Rugby League star saved from jail term for domestic violence - by his girlfriend

Apr 15 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

Danny Heaton

A RUGBY League player who smashed his girlfriend’s head on the floor has escaped prison after she refused to give evidence against him – and in fact spoke in his defence.

Daniel Heaton, 26, formerly of Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings, and now playing prop forward for National League division one side Halifax, was said to have given Sarah Ogden “a good hiding”.

She would not give police a statement and it was only after she had confided in a police-woman friend while in hospital that charges were brought.

Heaton, of South Avenue, Longford, Warrington, admitted assault and was given an eight- month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Warrington Crown Court yesterday .

He was also ordered to complete a domestic violence programme and was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to pay £200 costs.

David Jones, prosecuting, said Heaton returned to the couple’s home after spending time in the Blackburne Arms pub in Orford, Warrington.

Earlier, he had lied about his whereabouts when Ms Ogden had sent him a text message.

Heaton began swearing and smashed the woman’s head against the floor, grabbed her by the throat, gouged her in the eye and kicked her as she lay curled up to protect herself. He then helped the victim up, fetched her some pain killers and went to run himself a bath. Ms Ogden left and told Heaton their relationship was over.

The offence only came to light when Ms Ogden went to hospital and was visited by a policewoman friend, who made notes of what she told her, even though she had refused to give a statement.

Ms Ogden suffered multiple injuries including a swollen temple, bruising to her spine and pelvis and kidneys, and soreness when swallowing.

Michael Davies, defending, called Ms Ogden to give evidence for Heaton, and told the court the couple had now resumed their relationship.

She said Heaton had shown sincere remorse since the inci-dent, last May, and had done her shopping and walked her dog while was recovering from her injuries.

Judge Nich-olas Woodward told Heaton: “You smashed her head, kicked her and strangled her. She has made it very clear it took a lot of careful thought before she allowed herself to consider reconciliation.”