Darlington man avoids prison after violent alcohol-fueled assault on partner

DARLINGTON MAN AVOIDS PRISON AFTER VIOLENT ALCOHOL-FUELED ASSAULT ON PARTNER

A drunken individual identified as John Bell, aged 48, from Smithfield Road, Darlington, was involved in a serious assault on his partner.

Prior to the incident, he consumed a significant amount of alcohol, including 15 cans of beer, two-thirds of a bottle of red wine, and a large gin.

Bell had a history of domestic violence, with two previous convictions for attacking former partners.

During the attack, he called his partner a ‘slag,’ punched her at least six times, then grabbed her throat and pressed her against the wall, attempting to strangle her.

The victim, a woman from Middlesbrough, reported that she was left traumatized by the assault.

Bell pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation following the incident that occurred on October 21 of the previous year.

During sentencing at Teesside Crown Court, Judge Chris Smith opted for a suspended sentence, citing 'current circumstances' as a reason for not imprisoning him immediately.

Bell was sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work.

The judge also emphasized the seriousness of the offense, warning Bell against reoffending and expressing doubt that such a sentence would be given for similar offenses in future.