Darlington ex-soldier jailed for brutal assault on pregnant partner

DARLINGTON EX-SOLDIER JAILED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON PREGNANT PARTNER

AN ex-soldier, said to pose a high risk to women he is involved with, has been sentenced to prison following a brutal attack on his pregnant former partner.

Craig Anthony Rawnsley threw multiple punches at the woman’s stomach when she was three months pregnant with his child.

Durham Crown Court was informed that the woman managed to shield her unborn baby by protecting her stomach, but sustained heavy bruising on her forearms and hands during the assault.

The court heard that Rawnsley's violent outburst was triggered when his then partner criticized him for failing to help with domestic chores while visiting her and her three children in Bishop Auckland, on August 1 of the previous year.

Prosecutor Ian West described that Rawnsley shouted, swore at her son, and refused to leave when asked, pushing her against a wall and briefly causing her to fear passing out, before closing a door on her arm.

After the attack, she was able to push Rawnsley away, and he left with his dog.

The victim called a friend for help but was reluctant to let her in, fearing Rawnsley had returned.

She required hospital treatment, and fortunately her pregnancy was unaffected.

Rawnsley, aged 33 and residing on Stanhope Road, Darlington, did not initially cooperate with police but later admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Despite a commendable military career, Rawnsley is known to have a history of violent convictions, some involving former partners.

The judge, James Adkin, described Rawnsley as posing a ‘very high risk’ to women with whom he forms relationships and sentenced him to 16 months in prison.

Additionally, he was placed under a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting or approaching his ex-partner, emphasizing the court's concern about his potential for future violence.