MAN JAILED AFTER FILMING HIMSELF PUNCHING WOMAN AND CALLING 999 TO ADMIT IT
A man who recorded himself assaulting his partner has received a prison sentence.Ben Hoyle, aged 24, was involved in a heated argument with his then-partner on the morning of November 23 this year.
During the confrontation, he started filming himself on his phone while engaging in the dispute.
At the time, Hoyle had visible scratches on his face and a bleeding hand.
He appeared to speak to the camera as the argument continued, but tensions escalated when Hoyle punched the woman in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.
Hoyle, from Blake Walk, Gateshead, was brought before Newcastle Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for assault.
He had previously admitted guilt to the charge during an earlier hearing.
The court was told that police responded to an address in Gateshead around 9:30 am after Hoyle called emergency services, reporting that he had punched his partner.
When officers arrived, the couple was still engaged in an argument.
Prosecutor Matthew Simpson explained: "She pointed to a bruise on her left eye and said it was from him smacking her.
They had been drinking and the defendant had cuts to his hand and knuckles and scratches on his neck." Footage recorded by Hoyle was played during the hearing, showing the couple shouting at each other.
The video also captured Hoyle striking the woman, who then fell to the floor.
Mr.
Simpson highlighted that the woman was vulnerable due to her circumstances, and that Hoyle was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the incident.
Defence lawyer Fiona Lamb stated that the woman was the only person Hoyle knew in the North East and that they had now separated.
She noted: "The video is unusual, and it’s obvious both parties were under the influence of substances.
However, that does not justify the actions." Ms Lamb also mentioned Hoyle’s efforts to seek help for mental health issues and to address his alcohol and cocaine problems.
Ultimately, Judge Christopher Prince sentenced Hoyle to six months in jail.
