WINGATE MAN DUBBED 'JEKYLL AND HYDE' STRANGLED PARTNER
The behaviour of a man who assaulted his partner when under the influence of drink and drugs was likened to 'Jekyll and Hyde'.Durham Crown Court was told on his own admission Mark Walters, of Ellerburne Terrace, Wingate, could 'see red' and 'flipped out' after drinking heavily and taking cocaine.
The 34-year-old defendant was facing sentence after admitting offences of intentional strangulation and two counts of assault by beating.
He only changed pleas to guilty on the same day as a scheduled trial, after witnesses had attended to give evidence.
Prosecutor Elisha Marsay described how the victim reported that the relationship initially was good for several months but worsened after arguments.
During one incident in late December 2022 or early the following year, Walters slapped the victim's head and then grabbed her neck, squeezing tightly.
Further assaults occurred in 2023, including dragging her from her bed and pushing her against a deck chair after she had spent the night at a friend's house.
Another incident involved Walters stopping the car to buy whisky, which he then drank, after which he slapped her face, dragged her around the room, pinned her to the floor, and tried to kick her.
The victim went to hospital with dizziness and headaches.
She described Walters’ behaviour as being like 'Jekyll and Hyde'.
When arrested, Walters admitted issues with alcohol and anger management and said he could become aggressive when under the influence.
He claimed he could not remember the incidents but expressed remorse, saying he must have 'seen red' and 'flipped out'.
The judge noted Walters’s efforts to address his alcohol and drug problems and sentenced him to a 21-month prison term suspended for 18 months, requiring him to complete unpaid work, attend rehabilitation, undergo alcohol treatment, pay costs, and stay away from his partner for five years.
