DAVID PROCTOR

BULLY WHO PINNED DOWN PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND AND PUNCHED HER WALKS FREE FROM COURT

A bully boyfriend who pinned down his partner and punched her while she was pregnant has walked free from court.

David Proctor left his then-girlfriend 'petrified' after subjecting her to violent and controlling behaviour over many years.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Proctor was jealous and angry from the start, accusing her of cheating and threatening her.

He would spit in her face, punch her repeatedly, and violently control her, even squeezing her cheeks and pinching her arms and stomach while she was pregnant.

The victim was stopped from having her best friend present at the birth, and she recounted being too scared to challenge the defendant out of fear of further violence.

He assaulted her when she was pregnant, threatening her and causing her significant distress.

The court heard the pattern of behaviour from June 2016 to May 2020, including threats, physical assaults, and controlling actions.

Proctor was convicted after a trial at North Staffordshire Justice Centre and sentenced to a 21-month suspended sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, a 20-day rehabilitation activity, and a 12-month mental health treatment.

He was also ordered to pay £750 in costs.

The judge remarked on his previous stable relationship and the steps he has taken to change, noting he no longer uses steroids and appears to have moved on in his life.