5 days ago
Student who fled to Britain to escape El Salvador gang wars gets criminal conviction after birthday bust-up with her boyfriend
A young woman who built a new life in the UK after fleeing crime gangs in El Salvador has been landed with a criminal conviction herself after violently clashing with her boyfriend whilst celebrating her birthday.
College student Nataly Cruz was just 14 when she and her family fled the Central American country notorious for its high crime rates and gang-related killings following an 'issue' in her homeland.
Cruz, now 20, was arrested after she seen repeatedly pushing Gabriel Granados Pineda in the street when the pair became involved in a late night argument.
Mr Pineda refused to provide a statement to police, but officers obtained CCTV of the incident and footage showed Cruz pushing her boyfriend and him saying, 'Do not touch me.'
At Warrington magistrates, Cruz from Widnes, Cheshire, who is studying tourism pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.
Sarah McInerney, prosecuting, said: 'On May 4 of this year, a 999 call was made reporting the defendant arguing in the street.
'The report said that the defendant was pushing her partner in the street.
'On police arrival they saw the parties involved in the street and obtained CCTV which showed the defendant pushing her partner multiple times and him saying, 'Do not touch me.
'The defendant was interviewed and made full admissions in the interview. She has no previous convictions on record. here was no statement from the complainant in this matter.'
Cruz's solicitor Steve Coupe said in mitigation: 'She hails from El Salvador. She came to the UK when she was 14 with her family due to an issue in her homeland and they were allowed to remain in the UK.
'She is currently in her second year at college studying tourism. To fund herself she also works part time as a cleaner earning around £470 per month.
'This incident involved her partner of two years and it was the day after her birthday.
'The pair were celebrating her birthday, however they began to argue to the extent that regrettably it became physical.
'She will say that he was initially physical to her, to the extent that when police did attend they saw that she had a fresh injury to her face.
'But she did react by pushing him a number of times to the chest. CCTV showed her to be the aggressor at that point therefore she does not have a lawful explanation for her actions.
'On any level it is low level force or violence used and there is no complaint by the partner.'
Cruz was ordered to pay £111 in costs and surcharge.
Justice of the Peace Andrew Brothers said: 'If you do not come into contact with the police or court system for any other matter in the next 12 months, you will hear no more about this.
'But if you are brought back to court for any other matter and found guilty, you will be dealt with for this as well.'
