Evidence-led prosecution sees attacker jailed

An evidence-led prosecution has resulted in a man being jailed for brutally attacking a woman in her sleep.  

Carl Thexton became irate and attacked the woman while she was asleep after finding out she had a Snapchat account, which she used to keep in contact with her friend who had recently had a baby.

The 40-year-old repeatedly punched the woman, leaving her with swelling, a black eye, and bruising to her neck and leg.

Officers were called to the property in Low Bollihope where they arrested Thexton, who was later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Thexton, of Witton Park, Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to the offence and was jailed for seven months at Durham Crown Court today (May 14).

He was also handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman.

Although the woman did not support a police investigation, officers pursued the case through an evidence-led prosecution due to the severity of the incident.

Evidence-led prosecutions are used when a victim either withdraws their support during an investigation, or refuses to support an investigation from the outset, and sees police and prosecutors build robust cases in which they do not need to rely on the victim’s evidence.

Detective Constable Joshua Chew, from Durham Constabulary’s Serious Crime Team, said: “Although the victim in this case did not support a prosecution, I am pleased our investigation has resulted in Thexton, who is a dangerous and violent man, being jailed.  

“We are here to safeguard people and protect them from harm. When someone has come to harm at the hands of another person, we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and bring their perpetrator to justice. 

“In cases such as this where victims are not supportive of an investigation, but a prosecution is in the public interest, we work extremely hard to build a watertight case that does not rely on evidence from victims to ensure offenders face justice.  

“If you believe someone you know is suffering at the hands of an abuser, then please speak to us. We will do everything we can to protect them, support them, and keep them safe from harm.

“Please call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.”