CALLUM LEAR FROM SHIFNAL SENTENCED AFTER VIOLENT OUTBURST IN WEST MIDLANDS

A man with a troubling history of domestic violence and aggressive behavior from the West Midlands has been formally sentenced in court for his recent violent actions. Callum Lear, aged 26 and hailing from the town of Shifnal, was involved in a series of violent incidents against his former girlfriend, which culminated in a court appearance at Telford Magistrates Court.

Lear’s violent conduct included physically assaulting his ex-partner by punching her in the stomach, damaging property within her residence, and making threatening remarks aimed at intimidating her. The court proceedings revealed that Lear and the victim had entered into a relationship in June 2023, during which they jointly rented a home together. However, the relationship deteriorated rapidly after Lear’s temper flared, leading to acts of vandalism and emotional abuse.

On October 21 of the previous year, the situation escalated significantly. Witnesses and police reports indicate that Lear’s anger reached a boiling point when he verbally abused the victim, calling her derogatory names and demanding she leave the property. He also threatened to destroy her belongings, further escalating the tension. During this incident, the victim attempted to seek help outside in the garden shed but was locked out by Lear. In a violent outburst, Lear punched her in the stomach, causing her to fall into a neighbor’s garden, which prompted her to seek refuge at a neighbor’s house and contact law enforcement authorities.

Investigations into Lear’s phone revealed a series of threatening messages, including explicit threats such as “caving her head in” and demands for her to leave the house, with phrases like “I want you out of my f***ing house” and “Swear on my nan’s life I want you gone.” The victim had also recorded footage documenting the damage inflicted on her property, including holes punched in doors and walls. Her mother described a noticeable change in her daughter’s demeanor, noting that she had become increasingly frightened and distanced herself from her family. Neighbors in the area reported hearing frequent sounds of “fighting, shouting, and screaming” emanating from the shared residence.

During the court hearing, Lear pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and harassment. It was also revealed that he has prior convictions related to domestic abuse. Representing himself, Lear admitted to his wrongdoing, stating, “I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done it.”

As a result of his guilty plea, Lear was sentenced to nine months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for 18 months. In addition, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, attend 15 rehabilitation activity days, and pay fines totaling £85 in prosecution costs along with a £187 victim surcharge. The court also issued a restraining order banning Lear from contacting the victim for a period of four years, aiming to prevent further incidents and protect the victim from future harm.