A Cullercoats man has been jailed for five years after a violent attack left his partner terrified for her life during a night out.
He was out drinking with his partner when things turned ugly. They had been at Sambucas and Wetherspoon’s in Whitley Bay. After seeing his ex’s brother, they went back to his home.
Hardy sent messages to his ex’s friend, which led to an argument. His partner felt disrespected. When she tried to unplug her phone, he pulled her back. She bit his finger to escape, but he reacted violently.
The court heard he hit her, causing her to bleed. He followed her to the bathroom, claiming he loved her. She wanted to leave but he wouldn’t let her.
Hardy became angry when he couldn’t find his phone. She tried to escape but he dragged her back. Fearing for her life, she ran downstairs. He slapped her, but she managed to get away and ran to a neighbor.
In her victim statement, she said the attack traumatized her. She genuinely feared for her life. Hardy, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault and drug offenses.
The judge sentenced him to five years, noting the terror he caused. Hardy’s defense claimed he was remorseful and had been drinking heavily that day. He has a child with a former partner and has been a good prisoner while in custody.
