WOLSTANTON, England — A former soldier, Lee Kelly, has been spared immediate imprisonment despite admitting to a violent assault on his ex-partner. The incident, which took place in late 2024, involved Kelly headbutting the victim during a heated dispute after a night out.
Kelly, 48, a veteran of conflicts in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, has faced significant personal challenges since his military service. Following an explosion that killed three of his comrades, Kelly was honorably discharged, but he has since struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a factor highlighted in court.
During the attack on November 24, the couple had reportedly been drinking together before returning to her home. After a disagreement, Kelly left but later returned, where tensions escalated. Prosecutor Lee Stone described the assault as serious, noting the domestic nature of the violence and Kelly’s intoxication at the time.
In court, it was revealed that during their altercation, Kelly pinned the victim down and struck her, justifying his actions as a reaction to heated emotions and alcohol consumption. He acknowledged responsibility for her injuries and expressed regret for his behavior.
Andrew Bennett, Kelly’s defense attorney, argued for leniency, pointing to his PTSD as a contributing factor in Kelly’s disproportionate reaction when drinking. Bennett emphasized that there was a genuine sense of remorse from Kelly, who has since voluntarily stopped drinking and is committed to rehabilitation.
The court decided on a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, alongside several conditions. Kelly will participate in an 18-month rehabilitation program, undergo 120 days of alcohol monitoring, and adhere to an 18-month restraining order against the victim. Additionally, he was ordered to pay compensation and court costs totaling £587.
This case underscores the ongoing issues of domestic violence and the complexities involved when mental health intersects with criminal behavior. It also highlights the challenges veterans face in coping with trauma, which can sometimes exacerbate personal disputes.