Consett man jailed for brutal attack on woman with hammer

CONSETT MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON WOMAN WITH HAMMER

Mark Sturmey, a convicted violent offender, received a prison term of five years and three months following a savage assault on a woman with a hammer.

The March attack left her needing plastic surgery after she was struck and trampled, fracturing her ankle in the process.

Frightened and seeking assistance, the victim contacted the North East Ambulance Service, which subsequently notified law enforcement.

It emerged during the Durham Crown Court hearing that this was not Sturmey’s first assault on her; two years prior, he had assaulted her again, punching her in the head several times, and throwing a picture frame and a bottle of brown ale at her.

Although CCTV footage showed the incidents, Sturmey initially denied any wrongdoing but changed his plea to guilty before the trial in August.

He was charged under Section 18 for wounding with intent, alongside two counts of assault causing Actual Bodily Harm, and was convicted on these charges.

The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order on him.

Detective Ashley Marsden praised the victim for her courage in cooperating with authorities and highlighted the seriousness of the unprovoked violence.

The judge described Sturmey’s actions as 'horrific' and urged others victims of violence to seek support.