WOMAN’S PARTNER APPROACHED HER WITH A KITCHEN KNIFE AND ASKED IF SHE WANTED HER EYES “GOUGED OUT,”
A harrowing incident formed part of a prolonged pattern of domestic abuse inflicted by 43-year-old Gareth Stalker, who routinely became aggressive after returning home drunk in the early hours and being asked to lower the volume of his music.Stalker denied engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, but was found guilty following a trial.
At the city’s Crown Court, prosecutor Lucy Todd outlined the nature of the offending.
She told the court that Stalker, of Main Street, Brampton, had been in an on-and-off relationship with the victim for 14 years and had previously served a prison sentence for assaulting her.
The pair reconciled during the Covid-19 lockdown.
However, Miss Todd explained that once pubs reopened, Stalker resumed drinking and drug use, frequently returning home in an intoxicated state.
“He would often come back at 2 or 3am, and if denied entry, he would react aggressively,” she said.
“When asked to reduce the noise, he would respond with threats.” In one instance, after being asked to help with housework, Stalker threw his shoes at a £450 television, destroying it.
During another confrontation, when the woman wanted him to leave, he seized her by the throat.
Miss Todd added: “Following these incidents, the defendant would say things like, ‘Are you going to call the police, because that’s what you do.’ He would threaten to harm himself with a knife.” She described occasions where he would send messages threatening to take his own life after going to the train station.
On one such occasion, the complainant discovered a knife missing from her kitchen and Stalker confronted her while holding it.
He asked: “Do you want me to gouge your eyes out?” Her response was: “Do what you like; I don’t care anymore.” When later confronted about the episode, he said: “I don’t remember doing that, so it didn’t happen.” The prosecutor went on to read a victim impact statement detailing the significant toll the abuse had taken on the woman’s wellbeing.
She described feeling emotionally numb and worthless, needing antidepressants, and avoiding contact with family due to visible injuries.
She has since undergone therapy to deal with the long-term consequences.
Jeff Smith, representing Stalker, acknowledged the relationship had been deeply troubled, noting that alcohol misuse was a contributing factor in the defendant’s actions.
Judge Michael Fanning said the relationship showed a clear “pattern of behaviour” by Stalker, dismissing the defendant’s suggestion that the allegations arose because he refused to rekindle the relationship.
He remarked that victims often feel isolated and unsupported, and that Stalker’s conduct over an 18-month period was characterised by “a pattern of abusive, controlling, coercive, violent and threatening behaviour.” The judge noted that Stalker had employed “multiple methods of control” and added, “Modern society is not prepared to tolerate that any longer.” He observed that the victim had likely lived in fear of violence on numerous occasions.
Stalker was sentenced to two years and six months in custody.
A five-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting any contact with the victim.
