Stephen Auton, 28, of Homer Grove, Hartlepool, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison following a brutal assault on a woman and the destruction of her property.
The violent incidents occurred in August last year and involved punching, slapping, and vandalism, all witnessed by a child living in the home.
On Saturday 23 August, the victim returned home late from work, which triggered Auton’s violent outburst. Despite her pleas for him to leave, Auton refused and repeatedly struck her. He slapped her head, pushed her into a door causing injury to her hand, and smashed her television to pieces before stealing a CCTV camera as he left the property.
The violence escalated hours later when Auton returned in the early hours of 28 August. He woke the woman, grabbed her—ripping her t-shirt—and punched her in the face. The victim sustained a concussion, bruising, and injuries to her head and eyes, requiring hospital treatment and hand surgery.
These appalling assaults and acts of property damage were witnessed by a child living in the home. The victim reported the attacks to the police the following day, which led to Auton’s swift arrest and subsequent charges.
Detective Constable Jack Ellner praised the victim’s courage, stating: “Auton subjected the woman to violent and horrific physical and mental abuse, sometimes in front of her child. Since the case was reported, she has shown incredible strength and courage, making sure Auton faced justice. I hope she continues to rebuild her life with that same bravery. I want to urge anyone suffering abuse or who knows someone who is, to report it. When you do, we will act.”
If you need help or wish to report abuse, call Cleveland Police on 101 or visit their website. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or access support services via local referrals.
Justice has been served as the Hartlepool woman’s attacker is now behind bars.
Originally published by UKNIP.
