Washington man admits assaulting ex partner
The hearing took place at Newcastle Crown Court
A man who subjected his partner to two assaults and threatened to smash up her car and home during their "rocky relationship" has kept his freedom.
Martin McCormack lashed out on multiple occasions towards the woman over the space of seven years.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he was with his victim from 2018 onwards, before finally breaking up in 2025, and during that time subjected her to violence and left her in fear.
Prosecuting, Katie Spence told the court how the first incident took place in September 2018. McCormack followed the victim outside of her home and threatened to damage her car with a brick.
In June 2022, the court heard how McCormack, now 39, pushed the woman in the face resulting in her falling onto the sofa, where he proceeded to hit her with a trainer.
Miss Spence continued that in August of that year, McCormack bent the woman's fingers back. The court then heard the final incident took place in March of 2025.
After the relationship broke off, the victim called McCormack to collect his belongings, but he proceeded to threaten to kick the back doors in of her home and smash windows in.
McCormack, of Kinet, Washington, admitted two counts of threatening to commit criminal damage and another two of common assault.
A short victim impact statement read to the court heard the ordeal has left the victim "constantly on edge" and she now flinches at the sound of car doors. She also struggles to sleep and spends time "playing over the incidents in her mind".
Defending, Dan Wilberforce said McCormack has a "strong attitude towards work" and that the offences were in context of a relationship which was "breaking down".
Mr Wilberforce added McCormack is "incredibly remorseful" for actions which came from a place of "recklessness and poor control".
"His children are his life, he is an extremely dedicated father," he added.
Recorder Richard Stubbs sentenced McCormack, who works as a joiner, to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 35 rehabilitation days, complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a three year restraining order was put in place in relation to the victim.
"You genuinely regret and are remorseful of what took place," Recorder Stubbs added: "I accept that this was out of character."