Man grabs ex-girlfriend, hits her and stamps on her head - in the middle of county court room

A disgruntled ex-boyfriend was caught red-handed assaulting his former partner after launching a brutal attack - in the middle of a courtroom.

Lee Keeley and Lincoln County Court.

Lee Keeley, 38, grabbed his ex and hit her head against a wall before stamping several times on her head and chest at Lincoln County Court.

He chased her round the courtroom and tore out clumps of her hair after losing his temper when the judge ruled against him in a civil matter on January 5.

A court heard Keeley launched a chair at his former girlfriend before he started attacking her and barristers had to step in to break the pair up.


The victim suffered a cut to her right ear, bruising and swelling to the ear, a grazed cheek as well as bruised ribs.

Last Thursday Keeley appeared before another judge at Lincoln Crown Court where he admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was jailed for two years and given an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from contacting his ex.

Sentencing, Judge Michael Heath said: "I understand your disappointment but your behaviour after the decision was outrageous."

A court heard Keeley had become increasingly agitated during the hearing and then erupted as Judge Richard Toombs announced the decision.

Keeley, who had represented himself, began arguing with the judge then turned on his ex-partner.

Prosecutor David Outterside said Keeley shouted an insult at the woman before adding: "He then picked up a chair and threw it at the victim but missed her.

"He then chased after her. Twice they ran round and round the court as he tried to get hold of her."

The court heard Keeley, from Lincoln, later told police he went into a rage when the decision was announced.

He said he recalled throwing the chair but could not remember anything after that.
David Eager, defending, said his client had "simply lost control".