Man who attacked heavily pregnant woman in Spilsby jailed

Ruben Clay was jailed for 14 months after admitting punching the woman

A man who attacked a heavily pregnant woman in her own home on Christmas Eve has been jailed for 14 months.

Ruben Clay, 34, forced his way into the bedroom at the property in Spilsby and demanded to see the woman's phone.

Lincoln Crown Court heard the victim was pregnant with his child, despite him having another family outside of Lincolnshire.

When she refused, he punched her in the face several times and knocked her on to a bed, the court was told.

It heard that Clay, a coach driver from Nottingham, was the victim's boss and she became pregnant after they went to a hotel in the spring of 2023.

Despite not being in a "live relationship" Phil Howes, prosecuting, said Clay would act in a jealous and controlling manner towards the woman.

Mr Howes said this came to a head on 24 December when Clay confronted the woman and demanded to check her mobile phone to see if there were any messages from other men.

When she refused, Clay assaulted her, Mr Howes told the court.

'Obviously vulnerable'

The court was told that Clay remained at the property for around 30 minutes, during which time he threatened the woman, saying she should not tell anyone what he had done.

Mr Howes said the victim became fearful for her unborn child as she could not feel any movement and she was admitted straight away to a maternity hospital.

The defendant later sent apologetic messages to the woman, the court heard.

Clay, of Portland Road, Radford, Nottingham, admitted a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Passing sentence the judge, Recorder Simon Ash KC, told Clay the offence was aggravated by the fact his victim was "obviously vulnerable" due to being heavily pregnant.

"This also occurred in the bedroom of her home," he added.

A restraining order was also made which prevents Clay from having any contact with the victim for three years.