MICHAEL CELMINS FROM CARLISLE SENTENCED FOR VIOLENCE AND THREATS AGAINST PARTNER AND FRIEND

A man from Carlisle named Michael Celmins has been sentenced to more than three years in prison following a series of violent and threatening actions against his partner and others. The incident was detailed during a hearing at the city’s crown court, where it was revealed that Celmins, aged 29, engaged in a pattern of aggressive and coercive behavior throughout their relationship last year.

According to court reports, Dionne Winthrop, the victim, was subjected to frequent physical assaults and rough treatment by Celmins during their several months together. The court heard that on one particularly disturbing occasion, after Winthrop questioned Celmins about his phone usage, he responded with violent aggression. He pinned her down with his legs, then proceeded to put his hands around her throat and face, and gouged her eyes, causing her significant distress and injury.

In another alarming incident, Celmins threatened Winthrop with a bottle of ammonia, which he kept at his residence in case of intruders. During this confrontation, he ominously told her, “I’ll murder you,” a statement that underscored the severity of his threats. The court also learned that Celmins issued threats against Winthrop’s family to prevent her from reporting his criminal conduct. He also prevented her from seeking medical treatment for her injuries, further demonstrating his controlling and abusive behavior.

Despite initial denials of controlling or coercive conduct, Celmins changed his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial last month. His admissions included assaulting a female friend of Winthrop during a van journey, threatening her with a knife, and illegally possessing CS spray at his home in Reeth Road, Carlisle.

Judge James Adkin sentenced Celmins to 38 months in prison, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the court’s stance on domestic violence and threats. The case highlights the ongoing issues of coercive control and violence within relationships, and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their conduct.