ADAM STEPHENSON'S DRUG-DRIVEN RAMPAGE IN PELTON FELL LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE

A man from Pelton Fell found himself embroiled in a violent and paranoid episode fueled by drug use, which culminated in a serious assault on his long-term partner. Adam Stephenson, whose cocaine addiction was identified as the primary catalyst for his erratic and aggressive behavior, subjected his partner of six years to a four-day period of violence and intimidation.

According to court proceedings at Durham Crown Court, the incident began on January 5 of the previous year when Stephenson’s partner returned home from her work shift. It was during this time that Stephenson, in a state of heightened paranoia, questioned her about her actions and accused her of being someone else. He then attempted to forcibly remove what he believed was a mask she was wearing, an act that underscored his disturbed mental state.

Caroline McGurk, the prosecutor, detailed how over the following days, Stephenson’s behavior escalated. He deliberately prevented his partner from sleeping, physically assaulted her by punching and slapping her, and in a particularly concerning incident, threw her phone at her, resulting in an injury. The victim, who was scheduled to work on January 6 but called in sick due to her injuries, only managed to return to her job on January 9.

Photographs taken of her injuries revealed extensive bruising across her body and legs, highlighting the severity of the abuse. She confided in a colleague about the violence she endured, revealing her fear of returning home. Under pressure, she decided to report the incident to the police.

When police arrested Stephenson, he responded with a simple 'no comment' during questioning. Initially, he denied the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, but on the day of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty. Despite having no previous convictions, Stephenson had a past caution for cocaine possession, which was noted during the court proceedings.

The court heard that his violent actions were heavily influenced by his ongoing drug use and abuse. The judge acknowledged that Stephenson’s behavior was significantly affected by substances, which contributed to his violent outbursts.

Stephenson, a former Army Sapper and electrician, expressed remorse for his actions during the hearing. He stated that he was now free from drugs and was committed to rebuilding his life.

Ultimately, the judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with the first half to be served before being released on licence. The court emphasized the serious impact that his drug-fueled violence had on his partner, underscoring the need for accountability and rehabilitation.