Man jailed for brutal attack and controlling abuse of woman in County Durham

MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK AND CONTROLLING ABUSE OF WOMAN IN COUNTY DURHAM

A man named John Burgin has been sentenced to five years in prison following a brutal assault on a woman in her home in Spennymoor.

The attack, which occurred last December, involved Burgin pressing a pillow to the woman's face after an argument, causing her to gasp for breath.

He then used his hands to choke her so tightly that she was unable to breathe.

During the assault, Burgin also slapped her, bit her cheek, and set fire to a blanket she was covering herself with.

The violence continued as he beat her with a hammer handle, smashed her TV and kitchen chairs.

The victim, fearing for her life, revealed her injuries at a medical appointment the day after the attack and reported the incident to police.

She also provided details of previous assaults, including Burgin punching her and hitting her with a golf club, which caused her to vomit.

Burgin, of Greenwood Close, Wheatley Hill, initially denied the offences but later admitted causing grievous bodily harm and other charges during a trial scheduled last month.

On May 6, at Durham Crown Court, he received an extended sentence of five years—four years in custody plus a one-year extension—and was subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

Police officers described Burgin as a controlling and dangerous individual who left the woman fearing for her life.

The authorities commended the bravery of the victim for coming forward and hoped the case would encourage others suffering abuse to seek help.

Prosecutors and officers from Durham Constabulary emphasized their commitment to protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice.

For those in immediate danger or experiencing abuse, they advise calling 999 or reporting online via the 101 Live Chat.