A "controlling" boyfriend wouldn't let his girlfriend see her terminally ill father, subjected her beatings and stamped on her in the street.
Domestic abuser, Jonathan Armstrong punched his then-partner repeatedly in the face and even attempted to bite her forehead during a relationship that was marred by violence. The 28-year-old also contacted her constantly over WhatsApp during a "one-sided messaging process" and was seen by a witness stamping on her head in the street.
Armstrong, whose address was listed as HMP Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court via link to the prison to be sentenced for causing actual bodily harm, coercive and controlling behaviour, and criminal damage. He had pleaded guilty to the charges, which were committed between April and June this year.
Read more: Stoned Sunderland motorist caught driving in 'strange manner' by police after smoking a joint
Christopher Wood, prosecuting, said Armstrong and his then-partner had been in a relationship for around six weeks and were living together, but she had soon started to ask him to leave, which he refused. He said: "The relationship ended when the victim had dropped off the defendant at a chemist. She returned home and packed his belongings and placed them in the front garden."
Dr Wood said around that time, the victim had wanted to leave and care for her terminally ill father, something Armstrong would not allow. When he returned to find his belongings packed up, he turned violent. Dr Wood said: "He punched her to the face and grabbed her by the head and tried to bite her forehead. He then punched her more times." The attack left the woman with bruises to her body and head. Later, on April 27, Armstrong handed himself in at a police station after he admitted smashing the front door window of the woman's home.
Dr Wood said: "On June 8, when the relationship was ended, the defendant and the complainant were seen together in Spennymoor and were arguing. The defendant was crying and he threw punches to her face." The woman fell to the floor in front of shocked passers-by. The court heard that one witness said Armstrong "jumped up and came down full force, stamping on her face." The witness then chased Armstrong, who was later arrested.
The court was told that Armstrong, who had 84 previous convictions for 139 offences, also sent many WhatsApp messages to the woman, calling it a "one-sided messaging process". In a victim impact statement, the woman said she felt "alone and isolated" during the relationship and had lost a stone in weight due to stress.
Fiona Lamb, defending, said Armstrong has a "number of issues" including a borderline personality disorder and said his mental health issues are impacted by drugs and alcohol. She said he was "very remorseful" and "didn't mean to hurt the complainant". She added: "He says he is being bullied in prison and is finding it hard, he wants to change."
Sentencing Armstrong, Judge James Adkin jailed him for 28 months and imposed a 10 year restraining order.
Read next:
'Emotional' Sunderland teen seen 'swerving' about roads in Volkswagen Polo after drinking booze
County Durham driver banned after smashing into parked car on Boxing Day and driving off
Cowgate thief who stole over £600 worth of booze from Sainsbury's does runner from court
Sunderland thug had to be pepper-sprayed after repeatedly punching police officer during arrest
Jarrow woman harassed MP Kate Osborne with homophobic and abusive tweets following event 'ambush'
