ABUSER 'MADE WOMAN'S LIFE A MISERY'
A man convicted of drug dealing and domestic violence has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.Newcastle Crown Court heard that Martin Bulmer’s friends and family noticed signs of abuse in his partner, including frequent injuries, weight loss, and signs of ongoing anxiety during their relationship.
Bulmer, aged 37, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including coercive control, intentional strangulation, and assault, with one assault occurring during a holiday to Tenerife.
He was also involved in a drug smuggling ring, which was exposed when authorities intercepted a package of £7,500 worth of cannabis at Stansted Airport.
Two other defendants connected to the case received community sentences.
According to prosecutor Ian Cook, Bulmer, who resides on Park Avenue in Sunderland, started his relationship with the victim in 2023.
Throughout the following months, her mother and friend observed drastic weight loss up to four stone (around 25kg) and multiple injuries, along with noticeable personality changes.
The victim’s friend described her as working tirelessly for Bulmer and being subjected to regular verbal abuse, often appearing anxious and “on edge.” She confided that she was living in fear and had created a safety plan that involved avoiding the kitchen during Bulmer’s mood swings to prevent him from causing harm with objects in the room.
One incident in late 2024 involved Bulmer allegedly pulling her by her hair and headbutting her in their Tenerife hotel room, as detailed by the prosecution.
Hotel staff responded twice to concerns about the incident, and police visited the scene; however, charges were not pursued at that point because the victim declined to give a statement.
The injuries from this assault included two black eyes, bald patches from hair being pulled out, and swelling to her face and lips.
Following their breakup, Bulmer returned to her residence on March 24, 2025, to collect belongings and reportedly attacked her again by strangling her with her nightie, court documents state.
Judge Graham Robinson commented that Bulmer’s actions had caused his victim considerable psychological harm, emphasizing he showed no respect for women's rights.
A permanent restraining order was issued against him.
Bulmer’s sentence also considers his involvement in the drug importation, which was uncovered during an inspection at Stansted Airport after a parcel was examined by a Border Force officer in early 2023.
