COUNTY DURHAM MAN CONVICTED FOR ASSAULTING PARTNER IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE
A man named David Rowley was involved in a series of aggressive and abusive behaviors towards his long-term partner.The court heard he had attacked her on three successive days.
The incident culminated when he punched her to the jaw in public as she was heading to a gym class at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, last year on September 6.
Prosecutor Jordan Parkinson explained that Rowley had become increasingly jealous and abusive, accusing his partner of flirting with other men and following her as she left for her session.
When questioned by police and in court, Rowley admitted to throwing a bottle at the woman but denied punching her.
He claimed her injuries resulted from a fall, which was contradicted by witnesses.
The court heard he had previously punched her in the back and thrown a bottle at her, causing bruising.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating and one of causing actual bodily harm, as well as controlling and coercive behavior in an intimate relationship between August 1 and September 12, 2023.
The victim described suffering flashbacks, headaches, and difficulties eating following the attack.
Rowley's lawyer highlighted his mental health issues, learning difficulties, and personality disorder, mentioning his difficult childhood and residential care from age 12.
Judge Richard Bennett sentenced him to a six-month prison term, suspended for two years, with 35 rehabilitation days.
Rowley was deemed unsafe for unpaid work and warned about the risks he posed to future partners.
The court emphasized that although he has no prior convictions, he has received three police cautions for assault-related offenses.
