ANDREW WEST'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN DURHAM: SHOCKING VIOLENCE LEAVES WOMAN HOSPITALIZED
| Red Rose Database
Durham Domestic Abuser
A man from Durham has been sentenced to prison after a violent assault on his girlfriend, which left her with serious injuries. The incident unfolded just a few weeks after the couple had begun their relationship, highlighting a disturbing escalation of violence early in their time together.
Andrew West, aged 26, was involved in a brutal attack against Alison Dewar, 43, during a visit to Durham on May 18. The pair had gone to visit West’s family, and they spent time at his grandmother’s house. The atmosphere was initially casual, with the two remaining inside and drinking alcohol after discovering that West’s grandmother was not at home. However, the situation took a dark turn when West demanded money from Miss Dewar, who refused to comply. The court heard that West first asked for £40, then reduced his request to £20, before his frustration turned into violence.
According to prosecutor Philip Rowland, West began physically assaulting Miss Dewar by repeatedly punching her on the left cheek with his right hand. The assault was prolonged, lasting approximately ten minutes, during which West delivered multiple blows to her face and head, including headbutts. Witnesses described how West sat with clenched fists before launching another attack, this time striking her head with punches that caused her to fall to the floor. Despite her pleas to go to bed and her attempts to crawl to the settee for safety, West continued his assault on her while she was on the ground.
Miss Dewar was subjected to relentless violence, with West striking her repeatedly. One of the blows to her head was severe enough to cause her to be hospitalized overnight. She sustained multiple bruises and chipped teeth as a result of the attack. After the assault, she managed to escape and sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, where emergency services were called to provide assistance.
Andrew West, who resides on South Street in Sherburn Village, Durham, admitted to causing bodily harm through his actions. It was revealed that he has a history of violent convictions, raising concerns about his propensity for such behavior. His defense team argued that alcohol and drug issues contributed to his violent outburst and that he is now actively seeking help to address these problems. West also wrote a letter of apology, expressing remorse and hoping that it would reach his victim.
Judge David Hodson delivered a sentence of two and a half years in prison, condemning West’s conduct as ‘disgraceful’ and emphasizing the significant danger he poses for future serious harm. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the attack and the need for appropriate punishment to protect others from similar violence in the future.
Andrew West, aged 26, was involved in a brutal attack against Alison Dewar, 43, during a visit to Durham on May 18. The pair had gone to visit West’s family, and they spent time at his grandmother’s house. The atmosphere was initially casual, with the two remaining inside and drinking alcohol after discovering that West’s grandmother was not at home. However, the situation took a dark turn when West demanded money from Miss Dewar, who refused to comply. The court heard that West first asked for £40, then reduced his request to £20, before his frustration turned into violence.
According to prosecutor Philip Rowland, West began physically assaulting Miss Dewar by repeatedly punching her on the left cheek with his right hand. The assault was prolonged, lasting approximately ten minutes, during which West delivered multiple blows to her face and head, including headbutts. Witnesses described how West sat with clenched fists before launching another attack, this time striking her head with punches that caused her to fall to the floor. Despite her pleas to go to bed and her attempts to crawl to the settee for safety, West continued his assault on her while she was on the ground.
Miss Dewar was subjected to relentless violence, with West striking her repeatedly. One of the blows to her head was severe enough to cause her to be hospitalized overnight. She sustained multiple bruises and chipped teeth as a result of the attack. After the assault, she managed to escape and sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, where emergency services were called to provide assistance.
Andrew West, who resides on South Street in Sherburn Village, Durham, admitted to causing bodily harm through his actions. It was revealed that he has a history of violent convictions, raising concerns about his propensity for such behavior. His defense team argued that alcohol and drug issues contributed to his violent outburst and that he is now actively seeking help to address these problems. West also wrote a letter of apology, expressing remorse and hoping that it would reach his victim.
Judge David Hodson delivered a sentence of two and a half years in prison, condemning West’s conduct as ‘disgraceful’ and emphasizing the significant danger he poses for future serious harm. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the attack and the need for appropriate punishment to protect others from similar violence in the future.