SUNDERLAND MAN JAILED FOR TERRORIZING EX-PARTNER WITH ASSAULT AND THREATS
A Sunderland man who subjected his ex-girlfriend to a campaign of terror which left her living in fear has been jailed.Adrian Maitland, 44, assaulted his victim on multiple occasions between January and May last year.He pleaded guilty to harassment causing fear of violence and one charge of failing to surrender at Durham Crown Court.
Now, Maitland, of Gill Street North, Fence Houses, has been jailed for 28 weeks.The court heard how Maitland attacked his then partner at the wake after his mother's funeral in January 2020.
He was found lying drunk by his mother's grave and refused to go inside.
After an argument, he threw her to the ground, attempted to kick her but did not connect, then threw her to the ground again, and punched her in the face.
The victim later sought refuge at her mother's, but police arrived with Maitland after he falsely reported that she had kidnapped his daughter.Between January and May, Maitland continued to assault her, dragging her by her hood, throwing her on the floor, kicking her in the back, and shouting insults.
The victim stated she was so scared she wet herself, and Maitland poked her in the face, stood over her, and kicked her.
She feared for her safety and her baby's safety, with feelings of living in ongoing fear.
The court was told Maitland's mental health had deteriorated following his mother's death, which the defendant acknowledged.
He was arrested on June 19, after claiming he could not remember the incidents due to intoxication.The judge sentenced Maitland to 28 weeks in prison, citing his previous convictions and the seriousness of his actions.
The court emphasized that his behavior post-loss was inexcusable, especially the violence and intimidation used against the woman, including threats and physical assaults that left her fearful and unable to leave her house for days.
Maitland's defense argued his mental health issues contributed to his conduct, but the court pointed out the brutality of the attacks, particularly on May 5, 2020, which involved dragging her to the ground, screaming insults, and making her wet herself.
