Bristol criminology student gets criminal record after jealous attack on ex-girlfriend

A CRIMINOLOGY student wound up with his own criminal record after launching a jealousy-fuelled attack on an ex-partner.

UWE student James Watts, 22, pushed ex-girlfriend Charlie Dibble in the face and landed three punches on her former partner James Pope when he saw the pair together in Broadmead.

Watts' emotions got the better of him shortly after Ms Dibble had ended their five-month relationship together, telling him she wanted to be alone.

The student, of Church Road, Horfield, pleaded guilty to the "unprovoked" attack at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Friday and was made subject of a restraining order to keep him away from his ex-partner.

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The court heard that Watts spotted Ms Dibble with Mr Pope walking in the Horsefair in Broadmead on December 17, shortly after the break-up.

Prosecuting, May Li said: "Mr Pope was suddenly pushed from behind and as he stumbled forward he was pulled back and punched to his face.

"As Ms Dibble intervened the defendant pushed her aside and punched him to the jaw causing a cut to his mouth where he was bleeding."

In the heat of the moment Watts shouted at his ex-partner: "I hope your aplastic anemia comes back and you drop dead."

The court heard she attempted to approach him but was restrained and he pushed her in the face with his hand.

The police were called and Watts was later arrested. He told police he still had "strong feelings" for Ms Dibble.

He said he was "overcome with emotion" when he saw her holding hands with her ex-partner in the shopping centre.

Defending Watts, Selena Dines said only minor injuries were caused in the "spur of the moment attack".

She added the second year student, who also works in Broadmead, has shown "genuine remorse" following his actions.

Presiding magistrate Colin Skeen said: "I guess now on reflection you realise this sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated. An unprovoked attack is totally unacceptable."

"You have good studies and you have also got intentions in the studies you are doing. Try and put this behind you."

Mr Skeen gave Watts a 10pm to 7am curfew for two months and ordered him to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £110.

He also imposed a restraining order preventing Watts from communicating with Ms Dibble.