Chilton man jailed for assaults and intimidation of now ex-partner

CHILTON MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULTS AND INTIMIDATION OF NOW EX-PARTNER

A man named Ellis Punshon, aged 25, from Coleridge Road in Chilton, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for multiple serious domestic violence offences.

He carried out prolonged physical assaults on his partner, including punches to her face and blows to her cheekbone, side, and body, which left her with swelling and bruising.

The attacks occurred during the breakdown of their five-year relationship, shortly after the partner left for Scotland but returned to County Durham before Christmas 2023.

Punshon also engaged in a campaign of intimidation, repeatedly messaging her between January and February 2024, urging her to drop charges and warning of consequences, which terrified her.

Despite being arrested multiple times, he initially denied the allegations but later admitted to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation at Durham Crown Court.

He also flouted bail conditions by contacting his ex-partner during the trial period.

It was revealed that Punshon had a history of motoring offences, including causing injury by dangerous driving, drug driving, and a suspended sentence from February 2023.

During sentencing, the judge highlighted Punshon’s lack of self-control and alcohol misuse, which contributed to his behaviour.

The court imposed a five-year restraining order prohibiting him from approaching or contacting his ex-partner.

The judge also commented that Punshon should have exhibited more self-control, acknowledging his past offences and current circumstances, and emphasized that his actions were aggravated by his violation of bail conditions, with the court noting his prolonged assaults and intimidation as serious offences.