ADAM STEPHENSON BURNS BURNLEY WOMAN IN BRUTAL BEATING INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Burnley, a man named Adam Stephenson has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after a violent assault on his disabled wife, Samantha Smith. The incident, which resulted in bloodstains covering their bedroom, was detailed during a court hearing at Burnley Crown Court, revealing the severity and brutality of the attack.

According to court records, Stephenson, aged 37 and residing on Cronkshaw Street in Burnley, subjected his wife to a series of violent assaults over a span of just four days. The court heard that on two separate occasions, he repeatedly punched and kicked Miss Smith, who has cerebral palsy and speech difficulties, making her particularly vulnerable. Despite his violent actions, Stephenson claimed to still harbor feelings of love for her, a sentiment he expressed during the proceedings.

Miss Smith managed to escape from her attacker after the second assault and sought medical attention at a hospital. It was only through the hospital staff’s intervention and their subsequent alerting of the police that the extent of the violence was uncovered. The injuries she sustained included a head wound that required stitches, and her condition was serious enough to warrant immediate medical care.

Stephenson, who had converted to Islam in an apparent attempt to combat his drinking problem, admitted to two charges: wounding on May 12 and assault causing actual bodily harm on May 16. The court also imposed an extended license period of two and a half years alongside his sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his actions.

Judge Beverley Lunt expressed her concern over Stephenson’s potential danger to the public, especially to individuals with whom he might develop a relationship. She emphasized that his actions demonstrated a significant risk of causing further harm, underscoring the need for strict sentencing.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham provided further context, explaining that Miss Smith’s disabilities made her particularly susceptible to abuse. She detailed that the couple had entered into a marriage in a Muslim ceremony last December, but prior to the attacks, there had been previous incidents of violence. Miss Smith had been instructed to explain away bruises as the result of epileptic fits, indicating a pattern of concealment and ongoing abuse.

The first incident on May 12 occurred when Miss Smith went out to purchase vodka for Stephenson. Upon her return, he reacted violently, hitting her with a wooden stick and causing a head injury. The second attack, which took place four days later, was even more brutal. The couple had gone to bed around midnight after she had gone out again for his drink. Without warning, Stephenson launched a vicious assault, punching her repeatedly in the face, kicking her back, and pulling her hair so forcefully that existing wounds reopened. He attempted to strangle her, threw her to the floor, pinned her down, and continued to assault her with kicks and blows for several minutes.

Despite her injuries, Miss Smith managed to get back into bed, but Stephenson did not cease his attack. The violence persisted until he fell asleep around 8 a.m., after which she took a bus to the hospital. Medical staff treated her head wound, and police were called to investigate the incident.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Judith McCullough expressed remorse on behalf of Stephenson, stating that he was horrified by his own actions. She emphasized that his marriage to Miss Smith was rooted in genuine love and that he was aware of her difficulties. The lawyer added that Stephenson’s intentions were to care for and protect her, despite the violent outbursts that occurred.

The case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence, especially involving vulnerable individuals. Stephenson’s actions have been condemned by the court, and his imprisonment aims to prevent further harm and protect others from similar abuse.