Rugby star escapes prison

A FORMER Warrington Rugby League player who smashed his girl friend’s head on the floor has escaped prison after she refused to give evidence against him – and in fact spoke in his defence.
Prop forward Daniel Heaton, 26, now prop forward with Halifax, was said to have given Sarah Ogden “a good hiding.”
She would not give police a statement, however, and it was only after she had confided in a policewoman friend while still 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 (Monday).
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 in the back and side 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 eventually left the house telling Heaton then 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 bones in her spine, tenderness of the 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 confirmed that Heaton had shown sincere remorse since the incident, last May, had done her shopping and walked her dog while was recovering from her injuries.
Ms Ogden told the court: “Everything got too much for us and I was also suffering with depression. I’ve told Danny if I ever felt threatened again that would be it.”
Judge Nicholas Woodward told Heaton: “Last year you assaulted your partner and she ended up in hospital. It was a nasty attack where 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.”