YORK MAN LEE HAMILTON SENTENCED FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLFRIENDS IN YORK

A man from York, Lee Hamilton, has been sentenced to prison after a violent assault on his latest partner on New Year’s Eve, highlighting a pattern of abusive behavior that has spanned several years. The incident, which took place in York, resulted in Hamilton causing serious injuries to his girlfriend, forcing her to seek medical attention and ultimately leading to his conviction.

According to court records, Lee Hamilton, aged 28, of Nunnery Lane in York, has a troubling history of violence and intimidation directed at women. The court was informed that he had previously injured and threatened to kill a former partner in 2012. Additionally, in 2016, he disclosed explicit sexual photographs of a second former partner, further illustrating his pattern of abusive conduct.

The most recent assault occurred on New Year’s Eve, when Hamilton’s violence escalated to a brutal beating. His latest girlfriend was so terrified during the attack that she managed to hide under the bed in an attempt to escape his wrath. Despite her efforts, Hamilton continued his assault, and she later required hospital treatment for her injuries. The attack was severe enough that she suspected she had sustained a broken rib.

Within hours of the initial assault, Hamilton attacked her again, this time in a public street. During this second incident, he threw her bicycle, causing additional distress and damage. The court heard that Hamilton’s behavior was fueled by alcohol, which he had been drinking during the afternoon of the incident. Judge Simon Hickey described Hamilton as a “violent man in drink” and emphasized that he posed a significant danger to female partners.

Hamilton pleaded guilty to charges of causing actual bodily harm, assault, and criminal damage to the woman’s bicycle. He also denied a charge of criminal damage to her mobile phone; however, the prosecution accepted that while the phone was damaged during the first attack, Hamilton had not intended to destroy it. The court found sufficient evidence to convict him of the damage to the bicycle.

In sentencing, Judge Hickey imposed a 20-month prison term and issued a five-year restraining order, which prohibits Hamilton from contacting the woman directly or indirectly through third parties. The order aims to protect her from further harm and harassment.

During the hearing, Hamilton’s defense lawyer, Glenn Parsons, stated that his client was remorseful and acknowledged his issues with controlling his temper. The judge noted that Hamilton’s violent behavior was exacerbated by alcohol consumption and that his actions on New Year’s Eve were particularly egregious.

The court also heard that the victim, who has a young daughter, sustained head and body injuries, including a bleeding eye, as a result of the attack. Her daughter witnessed the assault, adding to the emotional trauma experienced by the family. The judge highlighted the seriousness of Hamilton’s conduct, referencing a previous incident in 2013 when he had assaulted his then-girlfriend, hitting her hip and jaw, and threatening her life as she called emergency services.

Overall, the case underscores the ongoing issue of domestic violence in York and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable to protect victims and prevent further harm.