A MAN who was fined £100 in court for throwing water over his girlfriend believes his case was a waste of public money.
Neil Creasey, 48, of Coneybury in Bletchingley, pleaded guilty last Thursday at Redhill Magistrates' Court to assaulting Sarah Hubbard, his partner of 25 years, after throwing a bucket of water over her following an argument.
Fahmina Islam, prosecuting, read out a statement to the court from Creasey in which he admitted dousing Miss Hubbard with water but denied another charge of grabbing her by the throat.
The charge of grabbing Miss Hubbard was subsequently dropped.
The statement said: "We [Creasey and Miss Hubbard] argued on the 20th September over a key.
"She then threw a plastic vent in my direction. It didn't hit me. I responded by throwing water at her. The water was in a bucket. I didn't at any time put my hands to her throat."
Ms Islam added: "The victim does state further that this is usual behaviour for Neil during arguments. He can sometimes become like this."
The court heard how Miss Hubbard was not injured by the six litres of water in the bucket but Creasey will attend counselling following the incident.
He was given a fine of £100, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and given court costs of £87.
Speaking to the Mirror following his trial, Creasey admitted he had done wrong but argued that his arrest and trial was a waste of public time and money.
He said: "I spent 10 hours in the cells, all that money just for water.
"It's just a waste of coppers' time and resources.
"Me and Sarah are going to get on and I'm going to go to counselling because I do not want to cause [problems] for Sarah or my family. We are not looking backwards, we are looking forwards to the future."
In the future, Mr Creasey believes these sorts of offences should be dealt with through an on-the-spot fine.
He added: "Give me a bit of paper and I will sign it and I will plead guilty."
The Mirror spoke to Miss Hubbard who confirmed she and Creasey are still together and he is going to counselling.
Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service were contacted for a comment.
