Sunderland man barricaded partner into bedroom and tried to start fires while she was trapped inside

A brute barricaded his partner into her bedroom and tried to start a series of fires during a terrifying attack.
Dean JeffersonDean Jefferson
Dean Jefferson

Dean Jefferson had already smashed holes in a set of drawers during a row when he decided to torch some socks and paperwork on March 15 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that after the socks failed ignite and the paperwork was stamped out by his victim, Jefferson then used deodorant as an accelerant to set some of her clothes alight, But again the fire failed to properly take hold.

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As she finally managed to flee the bedroom, that he had barricaded with a door that was waiting to be fitted, Jefferson pushed her against some furniture and caused a bruise to her back, and then grabbed her by the throat.

Jefferson then sat with a hammer in his hand as the victim tried to calm him down and made excuses to get out of the house and get help.

The 34-year-old, of Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, arson and common assault.

Judge Tim Gittins said Jefferson said it was a serious incident and he ‘took this well beyond anything that was appropriate’.

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The judge told him: "This was a serious, sustained incident.

"It was serious because you were in drink and in that drink you were volatile, you were using violence and threatening violence by taking hold of a hammer at one stage.

"In addition, you were prepared to use an accelerant to try and start a fire, all because of an argument.

"You took this well beyond anything that was appropriate.

"She would have been terrified by your behaviour."

Judge Gittins sentenced Jefferson to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and programme requirements.

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The judge said this was "not the first time" Jefferson had been before the court for offences of violence in a domestic context.

But the judge added that Jefferson has demonstrated he is prepared to work with officials to reduce his future risk.

Judge Gittins warned him: "This is your final chance."

Jamie Adams, defending, said Jefferson is a "devoted" dad and wants to stay out of trouble in future.

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