CONTROLLING BOYFRIEND THREW PARTNER DOWN STAIRS AND ATTACKED HER WITH ASHTRAY AT THEIR HOME IN LEEDS
Callum Seddon gained control over the victim's bank account and kept her isolated from her family members prior to the assault.Leeds Crown Court was informed that the woman sustained fluid in her lungs and severe bruising on her head and body following the incident on November 10 last year.
Prosecutor Glenn Parsons stated that Seddon and the woman had been in a relationship for five years.
He described Seddon as a "jealous person" who frequently falsely accused her of flirting with other men.
The prosecution noted that although the couple maintained separate bank accounts, Seddon possessed the victim’s bank card and PIN, allowing him to manipulate her finances for control.
On the night of the assault, Seddon claimed he intended to self-harm.
Subsequently, he accused the woman of having sex with a neighbor and slit his own wrists with a pizza cutter.
Emergency services responded to the scene, but Seddon refused treatment in the ambulance.
He was detained by police and taken to hospital, where he was later released after being de-arrested.
Upon returning home, he exhibited aggression towards his partner, grabbing her by the throat and applying pressure until she was unable to breathe.
He then pushed her over a sofa and threw a table at her.
The woman was pushed against a wall and down a staircase, had her leg punched, and was struck on the head with a heavy ashtray.
She reported the incident to police the following day after confiding in a social worker.
Prosecutor Parsons explained that the woman revealed she was subject to control by Seddon, including financial manipulation and social isolation, as he restricted her contact with friends and family.
Seddon, who resides at Broadlea Gardens, Bramley, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and controlling or coercive behaviour.
It was revealed that he had been held in custody at HMP Leeds since November 14 of the previous year.
A probation officer assessed him as posing a high risk of harm to the victim and potential future partners.
During mitigation, Shila Whitehead explained that Seddon’s actions occurred during a period of mental health decline and personal low point.
The court sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, and mandated the completion of 25 days of rehabilitative activities.
Additionally, a restraining order was imposed preventing him from contacting or approaching the woman’s residence and prohibiting him from posting derogatory comments about her on social media.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC, justified the suspension due to his time already served in custody and the opportunity for Seddon to participate in a reoffending prevention programme.
