'Violent bully' who punched, headbutted and stamped on ex-partner before kicking her down the stairs jailed for just three years
Sean Smith, 38, from Gateshead subjected his ex-partner to a "sustained and brutal attack".
A "violent bully" who subjected his ex-partner to a "sustained and brutal attack" has been jailed for 35 months.
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Sean Smith, 38, from Gateshead, carried out the assault in March this year at an address in South Tyneside.
After the pair had argued, Smith punched the woman in the face – bloodying her nose before he then climbed on top of her and headbutted her in the face.
As she attempted to leave and flee from Smith, he kicked her in the back as she ran down the stairs – causing her to fall down the remainder of the flight.
He blocked the door, stopping her from leaving, continuing to assault her by punching her, pulling her hair and stamping on her head and neck.
The woman managed to escape the address and sought refuge in a friend’s house who took her to hospital where the attack was reported to the police.
Smith was arrested, questioned and charged with the offence just days later.
He pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court on August 27.
On Thursday, Smith, of Montrose Crescent, appeared before a judge at the same court where he was sentenced to 35 months in prison. He was also handed a 10-year Restraining Order to protect the victim-survivor.
'Violent assault'
Speaking after Smith’s sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Abbi Weir, of South Tyneside’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “Sean Smith is a violent bully who subjected this woman to a particularly horrendous and violent assault.
“I am so proud and appreciative of her decision to call the police that day and allow us to begin our thorough investigation to put her abuser before the courts.
“I hope the sentence imposed today can help her move forward and rebuild – if that’s at all possible.”
'Violent domestic abuser'
Det Con Weir added: “Tackling domestic abuse, and the safeguarding of vulnerable people, is a priority for Northumbria Police – and Smith’s sentence is proof of our commitment to doing this.
“Now, everyone knows that Smith is a violent domestic abuser. But it’s important to remember there are ways you can find out if a new or prospective partner has a history of domestic abuse.
“Under the Clare’s Law scheme, you can ask us whether a partner has a history of violence so you can make a decision about whether to continue that relationship.
“Please search ‘Clare’s Law’ on our website – it could save your life.”