EX-SOLDIER JAILED AFTER ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AND ASSAULT
Craig Wallace, aged 39 and residing in Pasture Row, Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, was convicted after admitting to controlling and coercive behavior within a relationship, along with two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.The court heard that Wallace subjected his partner to persistent verbal abuse and humiliation, often culminating in physical violence such as 'back handers.' The assaults often increased in severity when Wallace was intoxicated, especially after returning from the pub.
Prosecutor Cainan Lonsdale detailed an incident where Wallace returned drunk, began name-calling, and questioned his partner about a previous relationship.
He then threw her phone at her, narrowly missing her, but hitting a table instead.
When she fled, Wallace followed, punching her in the face multiple times and threatening, 'You’re going to get it.' He pushed her head into a radiator several more times, resulting in heavy bruising described as 'black and blue.' The victim, still wearing a bath towel, escaped with her teenage daughter to her partner's house.
She called Wallace's mother to ask for help, but was not allowed back home until late in the night.
Further incidents involved hitting her with a piece of wood at a family event and pushing her down stairs causing her to fall onto a radiator.
On another occasion, he kicked and hit her after dragging her back into the house.
The victim often wore sunglasses to hide her injuries and was monitored through her phone.
He also prevented her from taking jobs in various establishments.
After additional threats were made, she reported the abuse to police, leading to Wallace turning himself in on March 13.
The victim's statement highlighted her suffering, noting she no longer feels confident trusting anyone and described herself as 'an empty shell' with ongoing flashbacks.
Wallace's actions were influenced by mental health issues related to his army service, which he has sought help for while in custody, including medication for PTSD.
The court sentenced Wallace to 30 months in prison and imposed a 10-year restraining order to keep him away from his ex-partner.
