GARETH LAVER – EASINGTON COLLIERY, COUNTY DURHAM

❌GARETH LAVER – EASINGTON COLLIERY, COUNTY DURHAM❌

Easington Colliery Man Jailed After Brutal Assault on Fiancée

A man from Easington Colliery has been sentenced to prison after carrying out a violent and sustained attack on his fiancée in the early hours of the morning.

Gareth Laver, 42, launched the assault shortly after the couple returned home on the night they became engaged. After accusing his partner of being unfaithful, Laver slashed his own arm with a knife, telling her: “This is the pain you put me through.”

Moments later, he struck her across the face, knocking her temporarily unconscious. When she came to, he dragged her across the floor by her hair before repeatedly slapping her and forcing her to the ground.

The violence continued even after the woman attempted to flee. Teesside Crown Court heard that Laver pursued her into the street, where neighbours were awakened around 3am by her screams.

Witnesses Alert Police

A neighbour who partially witnessed the incident saw Laver punching the woman to the face and body, causing her to double over. When she tried to stand, he struck her again; once she fell to the ground, he stamped on her and kicked her repeatedly.

Police arrived shortly after being alerted by witnesses. Laver initially attempted to blame the victim for the injuries to his own face and arm. The woman was found with multiple cuts and bruises and sustained a broken wrist as a result of the attack.

Court: ‘An Unrestrained, Persistent Assault’

Laver, of Allan Street, Easington Colliery, later pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

His defence said he had turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with PTSD stemming from childhood trauma. However, Judge Jo Kidd emphasised that Laver’s ongoing relapses were leading to a “pattern of offending triggered by paranoia and jealousy, which produces volatile situations.”

Sentencing him to two years and three months in prison, Judge Kidd added:

“The victim was subject to an unrestrained, persistent assault.”

Laver was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.

Clare’s Law – Public Safety Information

Under Clare’s Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), individuals who have concerns about a partner’s history of violence can formally request information from the police. This scheme exists to help prevent further harm by allowing people to make informed decisions if there is a risk posed by someone’s past behaviour.

Given the severity and nature of Laver’s offending, anyone with concerns regarding future partners or safety risks is encouraged to use Clare’s Law to access relevant information through their local police force.