Woman jumps from first-storey window to escape abusive and violent husband

A brave woman who jumped from a first-storey window to escape her violent and abusive husband has seen him brought to justice.

Theo McLean held the woman captive in their Darlington home over several days in November last year and subjected her to a tirade of horrifying abuse which left her with more than 70 injuries.

The 49-year-old repeatedly punched his wife’s face, cut her thigh with a pair of scissors, threw her down the stairs, strangled her, and urinated on her.

The woman made several attempts to escape but was stopped by McLean, who also deprived her of food and clothing, and repeatedly told her he would kill her.

On November 24, when a takeaway delivery driver came to their door, the woman seized the opportunity to flee and jumped from a first-floor window before shouting to the driver for help.

The delivery driver called for an ambulance and took the woman to Darlington Police Station.

A medical examination found the woman had sustained more than 70 injures, including a bleed on her brain, a fractured eye socket, two nasal fractures, a fracture to her cheek, and swelling to her face.

She also had a wound to her thigh caused by the scissors, cigarette burns on her arm, and dozens of bruises across her neck, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, and shins.

McLean was arrested and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was jailed for six years and nine months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (March 17).

He will also serve an additional two years on licence and was handed a restraining order.

Reading her victim impact in court, the brave woman told McLean: “You’ve made me not want to love again and not to trust anybody.”

She added: “No man should ever get away with causing so much harm, damage, and pain to someone, ever. I am somebody’s child, mother, niece, and grandchild.

“The trauma and pain that I have to deal with on a daily basis now because of everything Theo has done, not only to me physically but to me mentally and emotionally. I’m not even sure I’m able to process what this man did.

“My body may be healing slowly but my mind and my heart will forever be broken by all of what Theo did to me.”

Officers from Darlington Safeguarding Team used the force’s Operation Nightingale when investigating McLean.

The scheme is a partnership between police and medical practitioners which sees forensic practitioners carry out a medical examination in which the victim’s injuries are thoroughly documented in a specially designed booklet, featuring extensive body mapping, photographs, and initial witness statements from both the victim and medical practitioner.

It results in quicker treatment for those who have suffered domestic abuse, high-quality case files, and faster charge rates.

Investigating Officer Heidi Weir said: “Operation Nightingale was pivotal in this investigation – due to the overwhelming evidence gathered and extensive body mapping of the injuries he inflicted, McLean had no choice but to plead guilty.

“I’d like to pay tribute to his wife who has shown incredible courage, bravery, and dignity throughout this investigation and court process.

“Nobody should ever have to suffer abuse of this nature, let alone at the hands of someone who is supposed to love and support them.

“I hope this result provides her with some closure and allows her to start her journey to recovery.  

“The injuries she sustained at the hands of McLean were some of the most horrific I have seen in my 22-year policing career.

“McLean is a violent and insecure bully who poses a real danger to women. I am pleased he is now behind bars where he belongs.”

If you or someone you know is suffering domestic abuse, please contact us 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.
• Local charity, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25. 

The above services support both men and women.