A man with a track record for violence and specifically domestic disorder is behind bars following his latest drunken outburst inflicted on a partner.

William McClacklan appeared before Durham Crown Court, via video link from the city’s nearby prison, for sentence after admitting charges of battery and criminal damage at a hearing last week.

The court heard the case related to offences committed on a woman with whom the defendant had been in a relationship for two years.

Jordan Parkinson, prosecuting, said the couple were drinking at a friend’s house on the night of May 14 this year.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

McClacklan began shouting and making accusations against the woman at about midnight.

Miss Parkinson told the court at a time when his partner was sitting outside the defendant locked the door to prevent her regaining access.

As a result, the woman walked to her mother’s address and, upon arrival, turned her phone off and went to sleep.

She was awoken by McClacklan, who had turned up at the address shouting to her, demanding that she came outside to see him.

Miss Parkinson said when the woman went to open the door, the defendant grabbed her, pulling her towards him, making her fall down some steps to the ground.

In doing so, it also caused her necklace to snap, causing £20 worth of damage.

The fearful victim suffered cuts and abrasions to her knees and face but, as McClacklan shouted derogatory abuse at her, she managed to get back to her feet and run back into her mother’s house.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

In her impact statemen, the victim said she hoped she never sees the defendant again as, “he has gone too far this time”, adding that she was scared what he might do next.

McClacklan was arrested and made no comment to police when questioned.

The court heard that at the age of 40, the defendant, of Cotswold Close, Coundon, has 53 convictions for 107 offences, including several for assault.

By his admissions to the latest offences, it put him in breach of a suspended 12-week prison sentence imposed in June last year, for which the expiry period post-dated the May assault.

The court heard his guilty pleas were tendered on the basis he did not kick his now-ex partner in the face during the incident, as had previously been alleged.

Duncan McReddie, for McClacklan, conceded that at the age of 40 his client has, “an unenviable record”.

But he told the court that following his arrest after the latest offences he has been remanded in custody since May 16 and, so, has been in custody for more than three months.

“In terms of the offences, it’s clear that both parties were heavily intoxicated that night, as witnessed by the officers dealing with it.

“He takes no pride in his behaviour and is ashamed and appalled.

“When sober he’s fine, but in the grip of alcohol his behaviour deteriorates.

“He would apologise to the injured party but realises she wants nothing more to do with him.”

Judge Sarah Mallett told Mr McReddie that the defendant is, “plainly someone who needs to have supervision work done with him.”

Addressing McClacklan, she told him: “You’re 40 and heavily previously convicted, with a history of violence and domestic violence.

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“You committed these offences in breach of a suspended sentence order, but you have pleaded guilty and spent a few months in custody.”

Passing a 32-week prison sentence she told the defendant that it means, given the time he has spent on remand, that he would probably be released in the near future.

She also put in place a restraining order preventing the defendant from contacting or approaching the victim of his latest offences for five years.