THOMAS WATSON GUILTY OF BRUTAL ATTACK IN GUISBOROUGH

Thomas Watson, a man with a long and troubling criminal history, was found guilty of a violent assault that took place outside a residence in Guisborough. The incident, which occurred on April 8, involved Watson attacking a woman in a particularly vicious manner, with her eight-year-old daughter present and witnessing the entire ordeal.

According to court reports, Watson approached his former partner near her home in Guisborough, a town in North Yorkshire, with apparent intent to confront her. The situation escalated quickly when Watson was restrained by a friend of the woman, attempting to prevent him from causing harm. Despite this restraint, Watson managed to grab his former partner, pull her to the ground, and then swung his arm back before delivering three forceful kicks to her while she was on the ground. Witnesses, including the young girl, reported hearing a sharp blow to the woman’s face, though it was unclear whether she was kicked or punched. The victim herself expressed uncertainty about the exact nature of the blow but confirmed that her daughter alerted her to Watson’s assault.

This attack was particularly alarming given that Watson was already scheduled to stand trial in May for breaching a court order that prohibited him from contacting his former partner. The court proceedings revealed that Watson had a history of violent offenses, including a three-year prison sentence for manslaughter of 17-year-old Daniel Crowther in 2011. His criminal record also includes a conviction for wounding with a knife in 2015, highlighting a pattern of violent behavior.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Bourne Arton QC emphasized the severity of Watson’s actions, especially considering the attack was carried out in front of an innocent child. The judge stated, “Any man who assaults a woman will be dealt with seriously by this court. This was a very bad attack on a woman in front of her eight-year-old daughter. She witnessed her mother being attacked in this cowardly fashion.” Recognizing the seriousness of the case, the judge sentenced Watson to three years’ imprisonment, deliberately exceeding the standard guidelines due to the disturbing nature of his criminal record and the brutality of the assault.

The court also heard a victim impact statement, in which the woman expressed her fear and concern over potential revenge from Watson. The defense acknowledged Watson’s remorse, citing his early plea and acknowledgment of bodily harm and intimidation. Despite this, the court’s decision underscores the gravity with which authorities view violence against women, especially when committed in front of children and by individuals with a history of violent crimes.