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Rhys Weatherburn, from Marden, in court after Valentine's Day attack on Shannon Fidge at The Ritz Hotel

09:30, 18 February 2016

A drunken man was thrown out of the £320-a-night Ritz hotel in London after attacking his girlfriend because she wouldn't have sex with him on Valentine's Day.

Rhys Weatherburn, of Sheephurst Lane, Marden, booked himself and partner Shannon Fidge, of Paddock Wood, into the room to celebrate the romantic night.

She screamed for help as he told her: "We are in a hotel, we are going to have sex."

The couple pictured in Gallery nightclub, Bank Street. Picture: Gallery
The couple pictured in Gallery nightclub, Bank Street. Picture: Gallery

The 20-year-old was escorted from the hotel and smashed a glass door on his way out, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Nicola Flint, prosecuting, said: "The defendant and the complainant, who have been in a relationship for around a year and a half, were staying at the hotel for Valentine's Day.

"They had a meal earlier in the evening and had an argument.

"He left the complainant on her own in central London for 10 minutes."

The couple, who both attended Mascalls School in Paddock Wood, returned to the exclusive hotel and Miss Fidge got herself ready for bed.

Weatherburn wanted sex and told her that she was being stupid when she refused.

He shouted an expletive before telling her to shut up. He added: "We are in a hotel, we are going to have sex."

Ms Flint added: "Weatherburn shook her arms aggressively and pushed her onto the bed.

"The complainant was worried about how far the defendant would go and called out for help."

Shannon Fidge and Rhys Weatherburn have been together for more than a year. Picture: Facebook
Shannon Fidge and Rhys Weatherburn have been together for more than a year. Picture: Facebook

Another guest heard the cries and alerted hotel staff who threw Weatherburn out.

The court heard how police had twice previously been called to deal with domestic incidents which had happened after Weatherburn and Miss Fidge had been drinking.

The pair are regulars at Gallery nightclub and The Brenchley pub, both in Maidstone.

Weatherburn, who addressed the bench as 'you guys', said: "I genuinely feel that you need to get an understanding from me about my character and what I am doing around the issue that has quite clearly been unearthed about myself and my relationship with alcohol."

Shannon Fidge and Rhys Weatherburn in The Brenchley, Maidstone. Picture: Facebook
Shannon Fidge and Rhys Weatherburn in The Brenchley, Maidstone. Picture: Facebook

The court said it would help Weatherburn with his alcohol problems.

Chairman of the bench Jeffrey Manston said: "You are a young man of 20 years who is of good character.

"While this bench didn't react to being called 'you guys', another might not be so lenient, and you must call them sir or madam.

"The fact you were drunk makes it worse. We do understand you are a young man with your whole life ahead of you.

"You asked for help, and we want to help."

The 20-year-old admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage to property.

He will be sentenced on Wednesday, March 2.

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