MIDDLESBROUGH MAN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND DAMAGE
Mark Stokes, aged 49, from Roseberry Road in Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.The incident involved a vicious attack on his girlfriend following a restaurant date that ended in a disagreement.
According to court reports, Stokes grabbed his partner by her hair, straddled her as she lay on her bed, and strangled her.
The prosecutor, Annelise Haigh, described how after the victim went home to rest, Stokes entered her bedroom roughly 20 minutes later and called her a ‘slag’ and a ‘piece of s***’.
She alleges he then pulled her across the bed by her hair, straddled her, and put his hands around her neck, choking her.
Further, Stokes was said to have bent her fingers back and told her, 'You deserve it.
You left me on Marton Road.' On his way out, he damaged household items including a TV, a mirror, and candle sticks.
The victim contacted emergency services, calling 999 and claiming Stokes was attempting to kill her before hanging up.
A neighbour then alerted police.
The victim reported that she sustained neck scars and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, stating she didn't leave her house for six weeks after the attack and lost 1.5 stone within a month.
Judge Jeremy Barnett sentenced Stokes to two years in prison, citing the severity of strangulation and the substantial injuries inflicted.
It was noted he has a criminal record with 15 convictions for 23 offences including attempted rape of a former partner in 1995, possession of class A drugs, and affray.
