NORTH EAST THUG FRANK SPENCER BROKE INTO EX'S HOME AND ATTACKED HER OVER 'NEW RELATIONSHIP'
In Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Frank Spencer, known as a thug, forcibly entered his ex-partner's home and assaulted her, believing she had started a new relationship.Spencer entered the residence through an insecure door and attacked the woman in her bedroom.
The court was told that the incident occurred in Sunderland last May, with the victim being upstairs when Spencer entered.
Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur stated: "She heard someone downstairs.
The defendant entered her bedroom, called her a derogatory term, seized her hair, and violently shook her within the room." She further explained that Spencer struck her head against the bed, dragged her into the bathroom, and forced her onto the toilet.
The court noted that Spencer then positioned himself outside the bathroom door, trapping her inside, before she managed to go back in.
Kaur added: "He shoved her into the bathtub, pulled her by her hair, and dragged her back into the bedroom." During the assault, Spencer demanded the woman's phone and PIN to unlock it, which she handed over out of fear.
While distracted, the victim, who sustained bruises and a bleeding, injured head, seized the opportunity to escape and seek assistance.
A neighbour hearing the disturbance intervened; during the confrontation, Spencer brandished a knife and warned he would return.
The woman later described in an impact statement that the attack left her with physical injuries, mental trauma, nightmares, and feelings of insecurity in her own home.
Spencer, aged 39 and residing on Portsmouth Road in Sunderland, who has a prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, assault, and threatening with a bladed weapon.
Recorder Jonathan Sandiford KC sentenced him to four years and eight months imprisonment, commenting that Spencer’s primary motivation appeared to be not only the relationship breakdown but also the belief that she was involved with someone else.
Defence lawyer Jane Foley stated that the attack was "deeply wrong and frightening" for the victim, and emphasized that Spencer, currently living a chaotic lifestyle, is attempting to address the underlying causes of his behaviour.
She noted there was a suggestion the victim was involved with another partner, and that the assault was triggered by emotional distress.
