Peterlee man is a 'high-risk' of committing violence

The latest attack came to light when a friend of the victim went to her window and noticed items thrown all around and that she appeared to be suffering injuries.

Durham Crown Court heard that police were called and attended the victim's home from where they took her to her friend’s house.

Graham O’Sullivan, prosecuting, told the court the victim was then taken to hospital where she informed doctors she was punched and kicked multiple times in her head and chest, suffering bruising and reddening from her lower back upwards, including to the rear of the neck.

Mr O’Sullivan said the victim revealed the defendant arrived by taxi to her home and she was in a very low mood, but Haswell became angry and grabbed her by the arms.

She said he caused her injuries but she would not tell the police how he caused them.

He also caused damage to the television set and smashed a window.

Although the victim would not assist the police inquiry, her friends confronted Haswell about the injuries she sustained.

He told them he was genuinely sorry and revealed he had been to Durham for, “a proper good night”, and ended up, “on it”, for six days.

But in his subsequent police interview he chose not to answer questions.

The 28-year-old defendant, of Little Eden, Peterlee, did admit charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and damaging property, at a plea hearing on December 18.

His sentencing was delayed awaiting preparation of a psychiatric report on the defendant, who was remanded in custody in the intervening period.

The sentencing hearing, today (Monday February 19) was told the defendant has 22 offences on his record, many in recent years for harassment and violence against two previous ex-partners.

Rachael Landin, for Haswell, questioned whether a restraining order was necessary in the case, as there is no ongoing relationship.

But Judge Jo Kidd said the injured woman deserves the support of the court by way of protection with a restraining order prohibiting Haswell from contacting or approaching her.

Miss Landin said as “reprehensible” as the attack was, the defendant did hand himself in to police and is now, “very sorry” for what happened.

She said the defendant has found it difficult to “break the cycle” of drink and drug abuse leading to his offending.

Miss Landin said he needs to address the substance and alcohol misuse as well as his own underlying mental health difficulties.

She added that it would require the intervention of different agencies to help him overcome his various issues.

Judge Kidd said, however, that over the years he’s had “every opportunity” to engage with alcohol/drug treatment services to enable him to overcome those issues.

“The pre-sentence report makes it clear his compliance with previous court orders have resulted in, at best, a superficial engagement and, at worst, an entire resistance for the support he has received.”

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She told Haswell: “There was a three-day binge on crack cocaine and alcohol and you are assessed as a high-risk to domestic partners and a high-risk of re-offending.”

Imposing an 18-month prison sentence, Judge Kidd said the restraining order put in place should run for five years.

She urged the defendant to use the rest of his time in prison liaising with the drug and alcohol treatment services available prior to his release on licence.