WAYNE MACMASTER FROM DARLINGTON SENTENCED AFTER BRUTAL DOMESTIC ATTACK AND NEIGHBOUR ASSAULT

Wayne MacMaster, a man with a troubling history of violence, has been found guilty and sentenced following a savage assault on his partner in Darlington. The incident unfolded during a violent outburst that left the victim, who had been in a relationship with MacMaster for 15 years, covered in blood and in a state of shock. The court heard that the attack was triggered after the victim expressed her desire to end their abusive relationship, which seemed to provoke MacMaster into a violent rage.

According to court reports, MacMaster, aged 36, launched a brutal assault on his partner, punching her multiple times in the face and kicking her in the chest and legs. The force of the attack caused her to fall to the ground, where he continued his assault by breaking a piece of bannister and repeatedly hitting her around the head. The violence was so severe that she sustained numerous bruises and abrasions, leaving her in a state of physical trauma. Witnesses in the neighborhood, hearing her screams for help, rushed to her aid, but the situation escalated further when MacMaster lunged at one of the neighbors who intervened.

During the confrontation, MacMaster grabbed the neighbor, attempting to fight him off. The neighbor managed to push him away and responded with a headbutt, which ultimately subdued MacMaster until police arrived on the scene. The neighbor recounted that he had to defend himself from MacMaster’s aggressive attack, which was part of a broader pattern of violence that day.

Following the incident, the injured woman decided to leave Darlington and has since moved back to her hometown, seeking safety and stability away from her abuser. Court proceedings revealed that MacMaster has a long-standing criminal record, with 16 prior convictions, including charges related to battery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Prosecutor Martin Towers detailed that the assault occurred on March 8, when MacMaster was reportedly drinking at home. The argument was sparked by the victim’s declaration that she wanted to end their relationship, which led MacMaster to respond with physical violence. He punched her multiple times, kicked her, and then broke a bannister to continue hitting her around the face.

The court was told that neighbors heard her cries for help and entered the home to find her bloodied and pleading for the violence to cease. The neighbor who intervened described how MacMaster lunged at him and fought him off before police managed to arrest him. MacMaster appeared at Durham Crown Court to face sentencing, admitting to charges of common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm. His defense lawyer highlighted his long history of mental health issues and substance abuse, including heroin use from the age of 25. Judge Jo Kidd described the attack as a 'drug-fuelled violent incident' and noted that MacMaster had previously been a victim of domestic violence himself. As a result, she sentenced him to 28 months in prison and issued an indefinite restraining order to prevent any further contact with his partner, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the need for protection.