SEAHAM MAN JAILED FOR 'COWARDLY' AXE AND MACHETE THREATS
A man named Bernard Conlin from Horden was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment in Durham Crown Court for a series of violent domestic incidents involving his partner.The court was told that the violence was triggered by a disagreement about walking the dogs, during which Conlin entered the bedroom wielding an axe and struck the headboard before grabbing his partner's phone and throwing it.
He then strangled her with significant force, only releasing when she started to choke.
Conlin also slapped and punched his partner, making threats to kill her and the dogs.
The victim managed to escape barefoot through a window and called the police.
Conlin was arrested at the scene, where he was found to be suffering from anxiety, depression, and anti-social personality disorder.
The court also heard about previous assaults, including strangulation, during their 18-month relationship.
Additionally, Conlin threatened a neighbour with a machete after an argument and claimed his threat to 'burn her out' of her property was a 'throw-away comment,' though the machete was recovered by police.
Conlin pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including strangulation, assault, criminal damage, and threats with an offensive weapon.
He appeared via video link from Holme House Prison, where he was held on remand.
The judge imposed a total sentence of 42 months, with restraining orders issued against him for both his ex-partner and her neighbour for five years.
The court described his actions as 'cowardly' and 'appalling,' noting that he poses a high risk of causing serious harm.
