RYAN GRUNDY SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR VIOLENT ABUSE AND STRANGULATION

A man named Ryan Grundy, 35, from Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle, was convicted of a series of violent attacks against his partner, one of which involved strangulation. The woman described his demeanor during the incident as displaying a "look of complete rage and venom in his eyes," and she felt she was left "broken" by his actions. She recounted how she had supported Ryan during his struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse, describing her devotion as unwavering. "All I wanted was to help him get better," she said, explaining how she was his friend, his confidant, and his supporter through his treatments for drugs and alcohol.

During one particularly frightening episode, Grundy gripped her neck so tightly that she feared she was going to die. She said, "I genuinely thought he was going to kill me. I remember it today as freshly as when it happened." She added, "Not being able to breathe properly with both hands around my neck, a look of complete rage and venom in his eyes. No one has the right to strangle or petrify me in my own home."

She expressed ongoing trauma from the incident, noting she now suffers from sleep disturbances, fears sudden noises, and worries Grundy or someone acting on his behalf might carry out threats he had made. "All I want is to feel safe again. I don't think I will ever trust anyone again. This has totally broken me from the inside out," she said. The woman also shared her fears of revenge, stating, "I have nightmares and flashbacks—nightmares of what could happen to me if he seeks revenge like he has threatened. I don't think I will ever understand why he did this to me. I constantly question what I did to deserve this."

Despite the trauma, she still believes that "the Ryan I know and love is still in there," and she hopes he receives the help he needs. She added, "I truly hope he has listened to every word I'm saying. I'm not doing this out of malice but because it's the only opportunity I have to say how this has affected me without anyone arguing back at me."

The court heard that on August 10, 2022, Grundy and his partner argued at their home in Lemington, Newcastle. During this incident, he slapped her once, leaving her with a sore cheek. She asked him to leave, which he did, but he returned the next day to argue about the previous incident. That confrontation escalated when he forcibly pushed her onto the bed and placed both hands around her neck, restricting her breathing. Prosecutor Neil Jones stated, "She thought this lasted about 30 seconds, felt the weight of his full body upon her, and believed she was in danger. She managed, just, to fight him off." At that time, she did not report the attacks, trusting Grundy’s promises to change and wanting to support him.

However, more violence occurred later: on October 4, 2022, he attacked her again, throwing her to the floor, and on July 25, 2023, he assaulted her once more by headbutting her and slapping her, leaving a lump on her forehead. During this incident, she tried to escape, but he followed her, attempting to prevent her from calling the police. She sent a message to a neighbour to call emergency services, at which point Grundy threatened her with a knife, which she attempted to remove. Grundy later pleaded guilty to several charges, including non-fatal strangulation, assault causing actual bodily harm, harassment, and two counts of common assault.

Judge Robert Adams sentenced Grundy to 14 months in prison, noting he would be released immediately as he has served the time on remand. Additionally, Grundy was issued a five-year restraining order. The court also learned that Grundy had formerly worked as an aircraft engineer but had fallen into drug addiction due to trauma. His health was compromised after a heart attack in 2019 linked to cocaine use, and he has struggled with mental health issues requiring hospitalization. The judge noted his remorse for the offenses.