Host of party found guests having sex

7:00pm Saturday 7th October 2006

A MAN attacked a woman after returning from walking his dogs to find two party guests having sex on his living room floor, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the host of a barbecue returned to his caravan to find Suzanne Cunliffe on the living room floor engaged in sexual activity with a man.

The court was told two children of party guests were with the caravan owner and they also witnessed the spectacle.

After a row Wayne Ingham then punched Miss Cunliffe, the court heard.

Magistrates were told that Ingram's wife Justine returned and also assaulted Miss Cunliffe.

Miss Cunliffe was left with black eyes, bruising to her face, split upper and lower lips and her legs were also bruised, the court heard.

Ingham, of Booth Road, Stacksteads, formerly of Todber Caravan Park, Gisburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Cunliffe.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation to his victim and £50 costs.

The court heard that his wife, Justine Ingham, had been given a caution for her part in the attack.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said Miss Cunliffe had been a guest at the barbecue hosted by the Inghams at their caravan.

By 1am most people had gone, Justine Ingham had gone to bed and Ingham took his dog for a walk accompanied by the children.

"When he returned there was an argument with Miss Cunliffe," said Mr Harrison.

"He hit her on the head and then hit her another two or three times in the face.

"She was on the floor and looked up to see Justine Ingham in front of her.

"She punched Miss Cunliffe six or seven times in the face.

"She was left traumatised and shocked by the assault."

Michael Singleton, defending, said drinks had flowed at the barbecue.

Ingham had taken the dog for a walk with the two girls.

"On returning he found Miss Cunliffe engaged in sexual intercourse," said Mr Singleton.

"That was in full view of a 10 year-old-girl."

Mr Singleton said Miss Cunliffe had struck Ingham first but he accepted that his response had gone beyond self-defence.

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