WOMAN SUFFERED BITE MARKS IN ATTACKS AT HER WHEATLEY HILL HOME
A former soldier, who has found it difficult to adjust to life on Civvie Street, has been jailed for assaults on his wife during a five-year controlling relationship.Daryl McBurnie inflicted both physical and emotional abuse, as well making threats and damaged property, leaving the victim isolated from family and friends.
But Durham Crown Court heard the defendant also used emotional blackmail, at times threatening to commit suicide if she did not comply with his demands, while he also took her pet cat on one occasion.
Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said the defendant’s violence included bite attacks and when police were summoned to her home in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, teeth marks and bruising were seen on the victim by the officers attending, in September last year.
Weeks later McBurnie returned to her home address and again bit her, causing further injuries, while also holding a knife to her neck.
Mr Sabiston said the victim was left suffering, “severe pain” and, fearing for her life, she rang 999.
When police responded, they found her with “significant injuries” about the whole of her body.
These included large bruises, abrasions and scratch marks to her hands and arms with superficial injuries to her neck and a burst lip.
The victim said the defendant not only caused her the physical injuries but left her with severe mental damage for which she is on medication.
She said she no longer sleeps or eats well because of the behaviour of the defendant adding that she doesn’t think she can trust anyone ever again in a relationship.
McBurnie, 28, of Princess Louise Road, Blyth, in Northumberland, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour in a relationship and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Imposing a 27-month prison sentence, Judge Adams said McBurnie would spend up to half in custody before being released on licence.
But, due to the wishes of the complainant, “notwithstanding the abuse you put her through”, he did not put in place a restraining order.
