Walker man brutally attacked girlfriend before smashing up her belongings with a hammer

Connor Black, 29, was jailed for 21 months for attacking his girlfriend

A Newcastle man carried out a brutal attack on his girlfriend before smashing up her belongings with a hammer.

Connor Black repeatedly punched the woman during an attack that was committed during a "toxic" relationship that had been marred by violence. The 29-year-old then went on to destroy many of the woman's personal belongings, causing damage to items worth over £800 to replace.

During the assault, Black punched the victim so hard she was briefly knocked unconscious before he left the scene. Newcastle Crown Court heard the woman has been left "petrified" of him.

On Friday, Black, of Wadroper House, Walker, Newcastle, appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.

The court heard that Black and the victim had been in an on-off relationship that was marred by violence. On January 10 this year, the victim received a call from Black saying he was at her home and that she should return.

But the victim was "fearful and reluctant" to return, but did so the next day. She was then greeted by Black, who was holding a wooden pole.

Cainan Lonsdale, prosecuting, said: "He dragged her into the house and assaulted her. She was hit to the body and the face and he was continually punching her. Due to having kickboxing experience, she was able to disarm the defendant.

"He hit her to the floor and continued to punch her as she was begging him to stop. He then used a hammer to smash several belongings of hers."

The court heard that Black smashed up a TV, a bedside table and a lamp. He caused damage to items worth £850 to replace.

Mr Lonsdale added: "He made comments saying he would kill her and for her to watch out. He punched her again and [the victim] believes she was knocked out for a time." The attack left the woman with "extensive bruises" across her body.

In a victim statement, she said she has been left "petrified" of Black and "fully believes he has the capacity to kill me". The court was told Black had 14 previous convictions for 24 offences, mainly for dishonesty.

Jonathan Pigford, defending, said Black pleaded guilty and did not use the wooden pole during the assault. He said: "[Black] accepts it was a toxic relationship and he was responsible for that." He added that Black left the property of his own accord and had since took part in a painting and decorating course whilst in prison.

Judge Mallett jailed Black for 21 months and made him subject of a six year restraining order.

Join our Court & Crime WhatsApp community

Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp community for all the latest court and crime news sent direct to your phone.

In this private group, you can expect the day's top court and crime stories, including breaking news and live blogs

To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click on the link and press 'join community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, affiliate content, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN