PELTON MAN JAILED FOR THIRD TIME FOR VIOLENCE ON EX-PARTNER
A man who injected steroids to “bulk up” his body was quick to become angry and turn to violence during a four-month relationship with a woman.Christopher Gledhill has previous offences for violence on ex-partners and was the subject of a Clare’s Law domestic violence disclosure request by the victim of his latest offending.
Durham Crown Court heard she described Gledhill as, “insecure, jealous and immature”, and unable to control his temper.
The victim stated she was often the subject of verbal abuse and name calling by Gledhill.
When she went on a pre-arranged holiday with her mother and posted a video showing other people dancing, it led to a jealous response by Gledhill who felt disrespected.
He threatened to let her cats out, making her fear she would lose them.
On one occasion, when she was driving back from Newcastle, Gledhill asked about messages on her phone and became aggressive, striking the dashboard.
He then made her pull up in Team Valley, removed the keys from the ignition, and told her to get out of the car and start walking.
After returning home, Gledhill drank and apologized, claiming he needed help for his anger.
However, he then threatened to smash up the house, pulled the door from its hinges, and threw his partner onto the bed.
He began to throttle her, placing his hands tightly around her neck for four to five seconds, then tried to headbutt her.
He demanded her phone, threatened to stab her, and then locked all the doors and slapped her.
When she suggested they go to a garage to buy alcohol, she managed to ring her parents who called the police.
Gledhill was arrested and gave a “no comment” interview, but later admitted controlling and coercive behaviour in a relationship, intentional strangulation, and two counts each of assault and damaging property at a plea hearing.
The victim’s impact statement revealed she had been on sick leave due to PTSD, was unable to concentrate, and suffered panic attacks, feeling she thought she was going to die during one attack.
She stated she still feels traumatised, as she had never experienced domestic abuse before.
The court sentenced Gledhill to 30 months in prison and issued an indefinite restraining order forbidding contact with his ex-partner.
The judge noted his history of assaulting partners and warned him to find a way to end such behavior.
