NORTH TYNESIDE MAN WITH 40 PAST CONVICTIONS JAILED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND STRANGULATION
A domestic abuse victim has recounted how she was left traumatised after her former partner, Lee Ellis, was jailed for assault and strangulation.Ellis, 27, formerly of Burn Closes Crescent in Wallsend, pleaded guilty to charges of intentional strangulation and common assault.
The court heard that on October 28 last year, Ellis became violent during an argument, pulling his partner into a bedroom and pinning her down by her neck, applying pressure she believed could suffocate her.
Prosecutor Jennifer Coxon described how he put his hand over her mouth and tried to snap her fingers, damaging her nails, but she managed to fight him off by biting his hand, causing him to run out.
The woman was left with reddening to her neck and a broken nail, and though she didn't contact police at the time, she took photographs as evidence.
The couple eventually separated, but in December last year, Ellis was waiting in a BMW outside her home, claiming she was infuriated when she kicked the car after he grabbed her by the neck and her jumper, pushing her away from her car.
He then issued threats and grabbed her again, causing her to fall and sprain her wrist.
During a victim impact statement, she expressed her distress: 'He did this while my young daughter was in the car and watching it happen.
It makes me sick she had to witness him assaulting me.
I've been a victim of domestic violence in my whole relationship with him.
My children can't grow up in an environment where I was the victim of domestic violence.
I don't know why Lee would ever treat someone he supposedly cared for in this way.
This has left me traumatised.
Every day is a struggle as a result of the abuse, and I know I will carry this with me for the rest of my life.' Ellis, who has 40 previous convictions, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, of which he has served nine months on remand, making him likely to be released soon.
He was also given a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim or visiting her mother's home in Wideopen.
The judge emphasized the importance of stopping violence against women and girls, describing it as a growing problem and stating: 'Violence against women and girls in this country is becoming something of a plague and it has to stop.' A defense lawyer suggested that the case was somewhat ambiguous but acknowledged Ellis's motivation to change, noting his hopes to return to work as a trainee chef or pursue an apprenticeship.
The court also noted that Ellis's relationship was toxic and that he had addiction issues.
It is hoped that he can rehabilitate and rebuild his life after serving his sentence.
