BRANDON HOLMWOOD – GATESHEAD

A Gateshead man has been jailed after carrying out a violent domestic assault on his former partner, which left her traumatised and suffering long-term psychological harm.

Brandon Holmwood, 28, of Chapel View, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court after being found guilty of intentionally strangling his partner during a heated argument at her home.

The court heard that the incident began when the woman was packing Holmwood’s belongings. During the confrontation, Holmwood smashed a television in an upstairs bedroom before storming downstairs and violently flinging open a door, which struck the victim’s blind great-grandmother.

The violence escalated when Holmwood followed the woman upstairs, pinned her down on a bed and placed his hands around her neck, restricting her breathing. The assault only stopped after the victim managed to kick him away. Even then, Holmwood continued his aggression by head-butting a door, grabbing the woman’s hand and striking her with it while taunting her.

He eventually left the address while shouting abuse.

In a statement read to the court, the victim described how the attack had left her terrified and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She told the court she experiences night terrors and now fears leaving her home.

Mr Recorder Thomas Moran sentenced Holmwood to 21 months in prison, stating he could expect to serve around half of that term in custody. Holmwood was also handed a 10-year restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim.