A domestic attack, which arose from a row in a taxi, culminated in a woman fearing she would be killed at the hands of her violent partner.

George Carter had been out drinking with her until late on December 11 last year and on their return to his home became involved in an argument.

Durham Crown Court was told he had been abusive in the taxi and told his partner he would throw her out on arriving home.

Dr Chris Wood, prosecuting, said apart from arguing, the taxi driver believed drugs were also taken during the journey.

Read more: Pair both convicted and jailed for attacks on former partners in County Durham

On arriving at his home, at about 1am on December 12, Carter’s partner tried to call her mother, but the defendant smashed her phone against a bedroom wall, causing the screen to crack.

Dr Wood said Carter continued to be abusive and, for an unknown reason, punched his partner in the face several times, causing her immediate pain in the nasal area.

Carter then grabbed her by the hair, dragged her to the floor, and took her outside of his home, where he kicked her arms and face, as well as stamping on her arms.

He then knelt on her and placed both hands on her neck, choking her to the point where she screamed, fearing he was going to kill her.

Dr Wood said the whole incident lasted about 45 minutes and ended with Carter telling the petrified victim that if she contacted police he would burn down her house and slit a young relative’s throat.

He led her to the house and told her to apologise for arguing in the taxi, then he shouted that she should “go”.

Dr Wood said the injured woman walked to Leadgate Service Station to report the attack as her phone was not working due to the damage caused by Carter.

The defendant turned up at the service station soon afterwards, but he was arrested when police arrived a short time later.

When interviewed, Carter claimed she assaulted him and had not taken her medication.

The victim was taken to hospital suffering bruises and cuts to the nose and face, plus abrasions to the neck.

There was also tenderness to her chest, shoulder blade and left arm, but an x-ray revealed it was not fractured, while it was unclear if there was a fracture to the nasal bone.

Read more: Four County Durham criminals hauled before Durham Crown Court last week

Carter, 31, of Tweed Street, Chopwell, who has three previous offences on his record, but none for violence, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

In an impact statement read to the court the victim said she feared that she would die at Carter’s hands in the terrifying ordeal.

Judge James Adkin told Carter’s counsel, Jennifer Coxon, that having read a background assessment on him by the Probation Service: “It’s a fairly pessimistic report.”

He said “delving deeper” into Carter’s offending history there were concerns over his behaviour in relationships, by way of cautions, even if they had not been borne out with convictions.

Miss Coxon said: “He would accept concerns. He doesn’t shy away from what he has done but has very little memory of the incident.”

She said the defendant has reflected on his actions and realised the incident arose through his use of alcohol and drugs, which he acknowledges he needs to address.

Miss Coxon said the defendant had a difficult upbringing and suffers mental health difficulties.

“He wants to work with the Probation Service. He’s clearly a man with a lot going on.

“He has been extremely emotional talking to me today, accepting he needs punishment for what he has done to his partner.

“This was the first incident between them, but, unfortunately it was a long-lasting incident.”

Judge Adkin described it as, “an extremely violent and sustained assault,” leaving the victim in fear of her life.

“It seems to be part of an established pattern of bullying former partners.”

Imposing an 18-month prison sentence, Judge Adkin also put in place a restraining order prohibiting Carter from contacting or approaching his victim for ten years.

Read next:

               Sentence delay in case of County Durham domestic violence abuser

               Man pushed woman over in row at her Darlington home

               Durham Police arrest four men following reports of domestic abuse

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