Judge fears dangerous abuser might one day kill a partner

A thug who was fast asleep in a working men's club viciously beat his girlfriend when she woke him up, a court heard.

- by Nick Frame

Gary Franks was caught on CCTV smashing her car window with a pint glass before kicking and punching her. The 39-year-old appeared at Leeds Crown Court via a video link from HMP Leeds, but became angry, calling it a “stitch up” and telling the judge he “knows nothing about it”. He also played down the sickening attack, calling it a “bit of a slap”.

He was jailed for more than two years and, after being muted in court, he flicked a V sign as he got up to leave the video room.