BRANDON WHITEHOUSE FROM DARLINGTON INVOLVED IN SHOCKING ASSAULT INCIDENT

In July 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded in Darlington involving Brandon Whitehouse, a 23-year-old man whose actions have left a lasting impact on his former partner. According to court reports, Whitehouse engaged in a reckless act during a period of an 'unhappy' relationship, which has since garnered significant attention from local authorities and the community.

Whitehouse, who resides on Corporation Road in Darlington, admitted to pushing a lighter flame onto his partner's leg. He claimed that his actions were intended as a joke, and that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Whitehouse stated that he had consumed several drinks and only became aware of the injury the following morning. The incident, which took place in the comfort of their shared environment, resulted in the victim suffering a permanent scar, a physical reminder of what she described as a prank gone wrong.

The victim, whose account was presented in court, expressed feelings of helplessness during the assault. She described the experience as traumatic and emphasized the lasting physical mark that now serves as a constant reminder of the incident. Despite Whitehouse's claims of it being a joke, the court recognized the severity of the injury and the emotional toll it has taken on the victim.

During the legal proceedings, the court heard that Whitehouse had previously admitted to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm in February. However, he denied a separate charge of controlling and coercive behavior, which the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to pursue, resulting in a not guilty verdict on that count. Prosecutor Shaun Dodds characterized the incident as a “short-lived and impulsive action,” highlighting the use of a lighter as the weapon to inflict harm.

Judge Roger Thomas KC commented on Whitehouse's circumstances, noting that they appeared to have deteriorated since the incident. The judge initially considered imposing community service involving unpaid work, but this was deemed unfeasible due to Whitehouse’s current mental health state. His legal representative, Tom Doyle, explained that mental health issues prevented the defendant from undertaking such a community order. The judge acknowledged this, remarking that it was his first time in court and observing that Whitehouse seemed to be experiencing ongoing difficulties.

Ultimately, Whitehouse was sentenced to an 18-month community order. This included a requirement to complete a 30-session rehabilitation program and 20 days of supervised work overseen by the Probation Service. The judge expressed hope that, with continued engagement with probation services, this would be the last time Whitehouse appears before the court. The incident has left a permanent scar on the victim, who continues to feel the emotional and physical effects of the assault, describing herself as feeling “completely helpless” during the ordeal.