OTIS ABRAHAM GORDON'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN DARLINGTON LEAVES WOMAN IN FEAR AND INJURED

A man from Darlington, Otis Abraham Gordon, was convicted of a severe and prolonged assault on his partner following a suspected infidelity, a court heard. The incident unfolded in the early hours of May 15, after Gordon had consumed a significant amount of alcohol into the early morning hours. According to court proceedings, Gordon returned home intoxicated at approximately 2:30 a.m. and immediately demanded to see text messages on his partner’s phone. Greame Cook, the prosecutor, detailed how Gordon’s behavior rapidly escalated into a violent outburst when he accused his partner of sleeping with another man while he was away from home.

Gordon, aged 27 and residing near Darlington, responded to the accusations with physical violence. He punched his partner multiple times in the face and then grabbed her around the throat, applying pressure to the point where she struggled to breathe. Mr. Cook described the victim’s account, stating, “She said that she felt like the life was being drained from her.” The assault intensified as Gordon also began thrashing her with his belt, causing additional injuries. The woman, in an attempt to escape the violence, got out of bed and tried to flee the room. However, Gordon caught her on the landing and, in a further act of brutality, lifted her by the ankles and dangled her over the staircase banister.

He then dropped her, causing her to land on her neck on the floor below. Despite the fall, she managed to get to her feet and fled from the house, seeking refuge in a nearby residence while Gordon pursued her. Emergency services later transported her to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where she was found to have extensive bruising and swelling across her face, head, upper body, and arms. She also sustained scars from carpet burns on her upper back and neck, injuries resulting from the fall.

Following the incident, Gordon surrendered himself to the police, admitting to causing the injuries. He acknowledged that, under the influence of alcohol, he “exploded” in rage, believing she had been unfaithful. During police interviews, he admitted to striking her with his hands and a leather belt strap, as well as pushing her down the stairs. Gordon expressed remorse, telling officers he was “disgusted with himself” and sorry for his actions.

Gordon, who resides in Girsby and Over Dinsdale near Darlington, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. His defense, led by Jane Waugh, argued that the injuries, while serious, could have been worse and emphasized that Gordon’s self-reporting and remorse indicated he recognized the gravity of his conduct. She highlighted that Gordon had handed himself in and was ashamed, suggesting his actions were out of character and an aberration given his previous history.

Character references from his father and respected family friends were presented to the court, and it was noted that Gordon has sought assistance from an addiction team while in custody to address his drinking problem. Despite these efforts, Judge Christopher Prince described the assault as “particularly unpleasant, frightening and sustained,” warning that the injuries could have been far more severe. The judge sentenced Gordon to one year in prison, underscoring the seriousness of domestic violence and the need for accountability in such cases.