BILLY STONEMAN FROM BOURNMOOR SENTENCED AFTER VIOLENT ABUSE IN DURHAM

Billy Stoneman, a 28-year-old man from Medwyn Close in Bournmoor, was found guilty of engaging in a prolonged pattern of domestic abuse against his former partner over a span of three years. The disturbing details of his violent behavior were revealed during a court hearing at Durham Crown Court, where it was disclosed that Stoneman repeatedly subjected his partner to physical assaults, often while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These assaults included punching, biting, and pushing, which resulted in various injuries to the victim. The woman described this pattern of violence as being 'the norm' throughout their relationship, highlighting the pervasive nature of the abuse she endured.

She also explained that her fear of Stoneman’s reactions prevented her from seeking help or leaving the relationship. She recounted that any attempt to escape would provoke even more violence. One particularly harrowing incident occurred in September when Stoneman smashed her phone, effectively cutting off her means of communication. Following this, he pushed her onto a chair, causing her to hit her head and lose consciousness. The victim managed to escape the following day by climbing out of a bathroom window and jumping onto a wheelie bin to get away from him. Her escape was only possible because a neighbor intervened as Stoneman tried to pull her back, prompting the police to be called.

During her testimony, she expressed her feelings of helplessness and fear, revealing that she had been too frightened to call the police earlier. She also shared the long-lasting psychological scars left by the abuse, including low self-esteem and recurring thoughts of self-harm. Stoneman, who was on license at the time of the offenses, had previously been convicted of four unrelated crimes, for which he received a 43-month prison sentence. Despite this, he had only one prior conviction before the current case. His history of mental health issues and substance misuse was acknowledged by Judge Nathan Adams, who noted that violence had been a consistent feature of the relationship from the outset.

Throughout his 170 days in custody, Stoneman worked with mental health, drug, and alcohol support teams, and expressed remorse for his actions. Nevertheless, the court sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a ten-year restraining order to protect the victim from further contact. The judge emphasized the severity of the case, underscoring the profound and potentially long-term psychological impact on the woman, who now faces an uncertain future due to the trauma inflicted upon her.