CRAIG BAINBRIDGE'S BRUTAL CRIMES IN DURHAM HOTEL AND OUTSIDE LEAVE VICTIM TERRIFIED

In a series of disturbing and violent incidents that took place in County Durham, Craig Bainbridge subjected his former partner to a series of heinous assaults that have left her deeply traumatized. The troubling events unfolded initially at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham in April of the previous year, where the couple was staying in a hotel room. According to court reports, the situation escalated when Bainbridge's behavior turned aggressive during a quiet evening spent watching television.

Witnesses and court proceedings revealed that Bainbridge began to display abusive tendencies, punching his partner’s leg and hurling verbal insults at her. The woman, distressed by his actions, expressed her desire to leave and go home. However, Bainbridge refused to let her leave, asserting that she was not going anywhere. He then forcibly sat on her, pinning her down on the bed, and in a particularly violent act, he pushed his thumbs into her windpipe until she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, she found Bainbridge still on top of her. She responded by punching him and managed to escape to the bathroom, seeking refuge from his assault.

Following the incident, Bainbridge appeared to show remorse, begging her for forgiveness. Despite this, the violence was not over. In August of the same year, the couple’s relationship deteriorated further during a night when they had been drinking. Bainbridge accused his partner of infidelity, leading to a heated argument. The situation quickly turned violent outside, where Bainbridge slapped her across the ear, causing her to fall into a nearby bush. While she was vulnerable in the shrubbery, he continued his assault by punching, kicking, and stamping on her thigh. He also damaged her vehicle, destroyed her sunglasses, and smashed her phone. During this attack, Bainbridge ominously warned her that he would “make her life hell,” adding, “This is not the end, you watch what happens.”

When she threatened to call the police, Bainbridge’s violence escalated further. He emptied a cat litter tray over her head, an act described as “abhorrent” by the court. He then grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the ground and restricting her breathing before violently throwing her to the ground. The victim later provided a victim impact statement, expressing her ongoing fear of Bainbridge and the profound impact his assaults have had on her mental health. She stated, “I’m in fear of him after being assaulted by him twice. I’m in fear of what he will do next and it’s impacted on my mental health.”

Craig Bainbridge, aged 37 and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including strangulation, two counts of assault, and two counts of criminal damage. His sentencing resulted in a 25-month prison term and a five-year restraining order to protect the victim from further harm. During the sentencing, Recorder Richard Herrmann described Bainbridge’s actions as “an abhorrent series of offences against your then-partner,” emphasizing the significant emotional and physical toll inflicted upon her.

Defense lawyer Nick Lane, who noted that Bainbridge works as an HGV driver delivering cars across the country, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf. Lane stated, “He recognizes his actions were disgusting and very frightening for her, in his words.” The court’s decision underscores the severity of Bainbridge’s conduct and the lasting impact on his victim’s well-being.