MAN SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THREATS TO BURY WOMAN IN THE MOORS
In Kirklees, mother Natalie Wood met George Bannister via the dating website Badoo in April of the previous year.He complimented her appearance early on and quickly became obsessed, at one point proposing marriage.
Unaware at the time, she later recognized that she was a victim of love bombing—a manipulation tactic involving excessive affection.
Bannister, aged 31, moved into her home in Mirfield soon after their relationship began, revealing his true nature.
Natalie, a mother of two, reported that he quickly became physically abusive, leaving her with bruises that her six-year-old observed.
Bannister, from Bank Road in Sowerby Bridge, received a sentence of five years and four months after pleading guilty to threatening to kill, assault causing bodily harm, and assault by beating at Leeds Crown Court on April 24.
He was also issued a restraining order lasting ten years, preventing him from contacting Natalie.
She bravely read her victim impact statement during the court hearing, describing her emotional suffering and the impact on her children.
She has since started to rebuild her life, forming new friendships and feeling more secure now that Bannister is incarcerated.
Her story underscores the importance of seeking support from domestic violence agencies.
She ended her relationship with Bannister after five months, and he returned to his parents’ house.
On September 26, she visited him to finish their relationship, but he became violent, taking her phone and car keys, accusing her of infidelity, and threatening her with a knife, even head-butting her.
He tried to restrain her, but she convinced him to let her go.
As she drove away, Bannister called her repeatedly, and she feared for her life, recalling crying out that she didn’t want to see her children again.
Authorities comforted her, confirming she was making the right choice and highlighting Bannister's danger.
Support from the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP) has been vital, helping her improve her home security and providing educational programs about domestic abuse.
Natalie advises recognizing early warning signs of controlling behavior and seeking help promptly.
Bannister did not admit guilt to controlling behavior, strangulation, or perverting the course of justice, and these charges are now on file.
PDAP maintains a 24-hour helpline at 0800 052 7222 for those needing assistance.
