HARTLEPOOL MAN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Adam Wilkins, residing on Shrewsbury Street near Oxford Road in Hartlepool, was convicted of violently assaulting his former partner. Court proceedings revealed that in October 2021, Wilkins lost his temper during his girlfriend’s celebration of her daughter’s birthday and attacked her. The assault occurred in a bathroom where he kicked her in the face, resulting in the loss of her two front teeth and the need for dentures. The woman reported feeling embarrassed because her dentures make her self-conscious when dining with others. As she tried to leave the residence, Wilkins pursued her, grabbing her by the neck and choking her in front of her teenage daughter. He also punched her multiple times and struck her head on the ground outside her home. Police officers arriving to arrest Wilkins reported that he griped about his handcuffs being too tight, kicked an officer in the groin, and head-butted a custody officer after being placed in a spit-hood. Additionally, Wilkins spat on the ground at the police station. It was disclosed that Wilkins has 37 previous convictions for 80 offenses, including three for battery, and has a diagnosed personality disorder alongside struggles with substance abuse. The court sentenced him to 42 months in prison and imposed a seven-year restraining order to prevent contact with the victim. Judge Andrew Walker stated that Wilkins was directly responsible for damaging his victim’s teeth, which led her to withdraw from social interactions and remain on high alert. The victim expressed ongoing fear and mental distress, saying, 'I'm on constant guard looking out for Adam. I’ve changed my life to avoid him. I hope this nightmare ends soon. It’s been weighing on me for a long time.'