Controlling abuser jailed for 14 years

James Wilson physically and mentally abused the woman for more than five years, controlling her life and leaving her living in fear of what he would do next.

 

Over those five years, Wilson regularly attacked the woman, often punching and kicking her while under the influence of drink and drugs. On one occasion Wilson intentionally wore pyramid rings to inflict maximum injury.

 

Another attack involved a baseball bat, fracturing her foot and causing severe swelling to her shin and knee.

 

Wilson’s offending escalated during that time and he regularly subjected the woman to rapes and sexual assaults.

 

The 22-year-old stopped the woman from seeing her family and controlled every aspect of her life. Wilson subjected the woman’s family to targeted attacks and smashed the windows of her parent’s house on a number of occasions.

 

Even after the woman secured a restraining order against him, Wilson continued his reign of abuse, posting intimate pictures of her on social media, and threatening to shoot her dead with a shotgun if she contacted the police.

 

Wilson, of Honeypot Lane, in Darlington, was arrested in January last year and later charged with several offences, including rape, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, harassment, disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual photos with intent to cause distress, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

 

He denied the offences but was found guilty of all counts following a crown court trial.

 

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court today, Wilson was sentenced to a total of 14 years

 

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman said: “The abuse I suffered has affected me in many ways, one being my mental health – I have anxiety, depression and I am currently going through a diagnosis of PTSD, all because of how James abused me.

 

“I have nightmares and flashbacks. I constantly check doors and make sure they are locked - even though I know that James is locked away, I am just on edge waiting for something to happen.

 

“I found it hard to realise that somebody that loved me could and would hurt me. He has showed no remorse or sympathy during this; he doesn’t seem to be aware of what he has done and doesn’t know what he is fully capable of until he’s done it. That’s to the general public and in domestic settings. I am a young woman with my whole life ahead of me and I am left to deal with emotional, physical and mental scars for the rest of my life.”

 

Officers from Darlington Safeguarding Team. Said: “This young woman and her family have suffered extensive abuse – both physically and mentally - at the hands of Wilson.

 

“Despite this, she has remained strong, courageous, and dignified throughout the police investigation and subsequent court process, choosing to bravely face her abuser at court and get the justice she so rightly deserves.

 

“I hope this result will allow the woman and her family to move on and start to rebuild their lives.

 

“Wilson is an incredibly volatile and dangerous individual who has shown absolutely no remorse for what he has done. We are pleased that he is now behind bars and unable to harm anyone else.

 

“If you are suffering at the hands of an abuser, please come forward and speak to us.

 

“Taking that first step and picking up the phone may seem daunting but know that you are not alone.

 

“We have specially trained officers who will be with you every step of the way, and who will work hard to keep you safe and help to bring your abuser to justice.”

 

Contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 if you are in immediate danger.

 

If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available:

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

 

The local service, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25.

 

The above services support both men and women.