CARL STEWART OF YORK JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON GIRLFRIEND

A man from York, Carl Stewart, has been sentenced to prison after a violent assault on his girlfriend, which was described in court as 'barbaric.' Prosecutor Heather Gilmore explained that this was not the first time Stewart had used his teeth against her; three months prior, he had bitten her hand during a separate incident.

In the latest attack, Stewart, 34, of Danesgate, Acomb, forcibly pinned his partner to the ground, struck her face, chest, and eye, then bit her on the cheek. When she screamed, he reportedly wrapped his hands around her neck, tightening his grip until she struggled to breathe, the court was told.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, remarked on the severity of the injuries, stating, “I have seen the mark on her cheek. It is barbaric. And then you throttled her. You strangled her.” Stewart pleaded guilty to two charges of causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to 14 months in prison. He also faced a charge of controlling or coercive behaviour, which was left on file; this means it will appear on his police record but will not be considered a conviction.

Defence lawyer Erin Kitson-Parker expressed regret on Stewart’s behalf, stating he was sorry for his actions. She noted there had been no further incidents between Stewart and the woman following the second attack and that he had not committed any offences since.

Ms. Gilmore detailed the progression of their relationship, saying that it initially went well but changed after about eight weeks, especially when Stewart had been drinking. She recounted the incident on March 17, 2022, when Stewart bit her hand during an argument. Then, on July 23, 2022, during a dispute at his flat, Stewart prevented her from getting up by lying on top of her. He bit her cheek, causing bleeding, and choked her, which she later told police lasted five to ten seconds while she was conscious.

After the attack, she was able to escape the house with her dog, with visible signs of injury including bloodshot eyes and a bite mark, the court heard.