FORMER SOLDIER ATTACKED PARTNER AT THEIR HOME
A man with a military background assaulted his partner, leaving her with a significant injury to her eye where a flap of skin was hanging, during a period of violent outburst.The attack took place in their former home, as detailed in court proceedings.
The victim contacted the police, screaming and calling for help, and was later found by officers covered in blood and distressed.
She had sustained a cut on her eye with loose skin and bleeding.
The authorities found bloodstains in multiple rooms of the property and a clump of bloodied hair.
The woman reported being punched several times and having her head struck against furniture.
She chose not to give an official statement, but police footage from body cameras captured the incident on October 29 last year.
It was revealed that the defendant, Craig Lincoln, was battling post-traumatic stress disorder due to his military service in Iraq, and that his brother had been killed while serving as a soldier.
He had been medically discharged from the army.
Lincoln, who lives on Sutherland Place, Durham, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm through assault.
His defense argued that his drug problems began after his military discharge and that he struggles with mental health issues.
He has shown some willingness to address his problems and expressed remorse.
The court sentenced Lincoln to a six-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, along with requirements including a six-month tagging order, a drug rehabilitation program lasting six months, and 22 days of rehabilitative activities.
He was also ordered to pay £800 in compensation and cover £387 of court costs.
