Drink-fuelled RAF officer jailed for brutal attack on partner in Easington

A former RAF investigation photographer named Andrew West carried out a brutal assault on his partner following a heavy drinking argument at their home in Easington. The incident occurred on October 3 of the previous year, resulting in the woman sustaining severe facial injuries, including a badly bruised and swollen face with one eye completely closed, cuts to her lip and head, and swelling visible in hospital photographs taken the day after. Police body camera footage showed the victim's injuries after the attack. West, aged 39 and more recently of Staindale Gardens, Stockton, denied causing actual bodily harm but was convicted after a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody pending sentencing at Durham Crown Court. During the hearing, it was revealed he had 22 convictions for 44 offences, including one for violence, though not specifically domestic violence. Witnesses and the victim reported a strong link between drinking and violence, with the victim expressing feelings of sadness and ongoing emotional conflict towards West, highlighting that alcohol often triggered bad behavior. West's defense argued he was not entrenched in violent behavior, noting his efforts to address his alcohol issues while in custody. However, the judge sentenced him to 16 months in prison, stating that the injuries and lack of remorse warranted immediate imprisonment, with West serving approximately 40% of the sentence followed by supervision. The case underscores the dangers of alcohol-fueled domestic abuse and the importance of judicial intervention.