ANDY WILSON SENTENCED IN PRESTON FOR ASSAULT IN BLACKBURN

A 24-year-old man named Andy Sebastian Wilson was convicted of assault after physically attacking his girlfriend by stamping on her head. The incident occurred at her home in Darwen during a period of a 'turbulent' relationship. The case was heard at Sessions House in Preston.

Prosecutor Paul Brookwell described the events from April 2021, when the woman was preparing her child to visit the child’s biological father—who is not Wilson. While she was putting on makeup, Wilson, of Hertford Street, Blackburn, grew jealous and became aggressive. He grabbed her by the hair and then locked her and the children inside the house.

As she started packing bags to leave, Wilson forcefully entered the room, overpowered her, and stomped on her head with his heel. The woman lost consciousness. When she regained awareness, Wilson was nearby, asking, ‘Did that hurt, you deserve that,’ and threatening to repeat the assault.

Her sister then arrived at the home, and the mother managed to escape with her children. Mr. Brookwell stated, “She felt scared and worried for her safety and the safety of her children. The impact has left her feeling like she has lost everything, feeling guilty and scared.”

Defense lawyer Jonathan Turner acknowledged Wilson's troubled background, noting he was physically abused by his father as a child and expressed that Wilson feels remorse for his actions. He added, “He knows how it feels to be treated in the way he treated his girlfriend and has been able to reflect in custody.”

Mr. Turner also emphasized that the relationship had been tumultuous and that Wilson denied other allegations made by the woman. He said, “The offence which did take place clearly was a frightening incident for the complainant.”

Recorder Michael Maher commented on the case, stating, “You were incensed that she was wearing makeup because one of her children was seeing their biological father. That really states the nature for the controlling and coercive behaviour. The fact that the children were there is a seriously aggressive factor in this case.”

Wilson was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for causing actual bodily harm. Additionally, he was subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman directly—other than through his solicitor—and from being within 100 metres or in the same building as her for three years. He is also required to complete an 18-month community order, including 40 rehabilitation days, and participate in a ‘building better relationships’ programme.