Controlling boyfriend jailed after police found his ex-partner sobbing at the side of the road

Thomas Eastwood followed his former girlfriend along Durham Road in Sunderland and smashed her phone when he believed she was texting other men before attending a supervised visit with his baby daughter in possession of a knife.
By Ryan Smith
Published 24th Jul 2020, 11:44 GMT
Updated 24th Jul 2020, 11:56 GMT
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Now the 19-year-old will spend 16 months in prison and was handed a restraining order banning him from contacting his victim following the incident earlier this year.

Eastwood was caught when an on-patrol officer, who was driving along Durham Road, saw the argument unfold and noticed the woman in distress.

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Police took her to a safe location and the victim disclosed that she had been subjected to controlling behaviour throughout their relationship.

Thomas Eastwood, 19, was jailed after admitting assault, possessing a knife and coercive behaviourThomas Eastwood, 19, was jailed after admitting assault, possessing a knife and coercive behaviour
Thomas Eastwood, 19, was jailed after admitting assault, possessing a knife and coercive behaviour
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Officers found Eastwood in possession of a large kitchen knife, which he had taken on a supervised visit to see his baby daughter, a short time later.

Eastwood, of no fixed abode, appeared in Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, July 22 where he admitted to assault, possessing a knife and coercive behaviour.

PC Simon Cammack from Northumbria Police investigated the case, he said: “Thomas Eastwood is a violent and controlling individual who left his ex-partner terrified as he confronted her in broad daylight and assaulted her in the street.

Eastwood was found by police in possession of a large kitchen knife, which he had taken on a supervised visit with his baby daughter.Eastwood was found by police in possession of a large kitchen knife, which he had taken on a supervised visit with his baby daughter.
Eastwood was found by police in possession of a large kitchen knife, which he had taken on a supervised visit with his baby daughter.
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“He could not accept that their relationship was over, and became enraged after believing that she had been in communication with other men.

“Unfortunately for him, the effects of his threatening behaviour were seen first-hand by a passing police officer who realised the victim was in a state of distress and followed their instinct to intervene.

“To make matters worse, Eastwood was then found to have taken a large knife hidden inside his coat to a child contact session. His selfish and thoughtless behaviour almost beggars belief."

His victim has admitted in a statement that she feels “lucky” that a police officer saw the altercation and that she “does not know” what would have happened if they hadn’t stopped.

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She said: “I feel lucky the police arrived when they did as I do not know what would have happened considering he had a knife.

“I feel disgusted that he attended child contact in possession of a knife."

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