Darlington thug threatened to 'slit' partner's throat

James Peacock was told that he had been given more chances than normal to amend his ways when a court heard he was serving two suspended sentences and two conditional discharges when the assault took place.

The 21-year-old even took his mother with him when he confronted his partner at her home before he threatened to 'slit her throat', Teesside Crown Court heard.

Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, said: “It seemed to upset him and he called her a prostitute. He came around at about 4pm and scattered a bag of clothing on the floor – she had their baby in her arms at the time.

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“And while she did so he nipped her arms and grabbed her shoulder.

“He was worried she would call the police and threatened to slit her throat.”

Mr Soppitt said body-worn camera footage of an arresting officer caught the defendant threatening to have someone kill her.

The court heard the offence took place just eight days after he was given a suspended sentence for his roll in a ‘Wild West’ brawl in Asda in Darlington.

The defendant was at the heart of the four-man fight which also included his father and two former friends when they clashed in Asda on Neasham Road, Darlington.

James Peacock (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Peacock, of Brighton Road, Darlington, was found guilty of assault by beating following a trial at magistrates’ court.

Philip Morley, mitigating, said his client has a record that ‘makes bleak reading’ but urged the judge to consider a suspended sentence.

Judge Chris Smith sentenced Peacock to a total of 14 months in custody after activating part of his suspended sentence and told him to work on his anger issues to stop him continually returning to court.

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“I can’t think of anybody who has had four chances like that – you have run out of chances now,” he said.

“From what I have heard you have a temper problem; you can’t control yourself.

“After she asked, quite reasonably, if a friend could stay the night in her house, you reacted by hurling abuse at her before going round to her house.

“You’re slamming doors, throwing things about the house, and deliberately nipping her and grabbing her shoulder causing her momentary pain.

“It’s a nasty piece of thuggish behaviour.”