Craig Armstrong, 36, kicked and stamped on his partner in Newcastle city centre before biting an NE1 Street Ranger who caught him. Armstrong began attacking his girlfriend on Northumberland Street before being chased by the Street Ranger and then assaulting him.
Armstrong was later released on police bail, but then attacked his partner once more after she told him their relationship was over. During that attack, he again stamped on her while calling her derogatory names.
Court appearance
On Tuesday, Armstrong, of Sandmere Place, Scotswood, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. The 36-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offences.
The court heard that on November 25 last year, Armstrong was seen attacking his girlfriend - who has since passed away - on Northumberland Street. Nicoleta Alistari, prosecuting, said: "The defendant pushed her and she fell backwards, banging her head on a wall."
"He kicked her twice and stamped on her once. She had suffered a laceration to the back of her head and later discharged herself from hospital."
Attack on bail
After the attack, Armstrong ran away but was chased and detained by a Street Ranger who witnessed it. Ms Alistari said: "The defendant was trying to punch him and made threats towards his family before biting him on his elbow. The defendant was detained until the police arrived."
While on bail for the attacks, Armstrong went on to assault the woman again on March 9 this year. The court heard she had told Armstrong their relationship was over before he grabbed hold of her. Ms Alistari added: "He grabbed her by the back of the neck, twisting it. A crack was heard."
"He then pushed her to the floor and stamped on her while shouting abuse." When he was arrested, Armstrong claimed the victim had lied about the attack. The court heard Armstrong had 15 previous convictions for 26 offences.
Remorse and sentence
Tony Cornberg, defending, said Armstrong has "genuine regret and remorse" and accepted it was a "toxic relationship". He said: "He actively wants to pursue a sentence in the community."
"He found out about [the victim's] death while in prison. He told me 'I will never be able to tell her I'm sorry'."
Sentencing Armstrong, Judge Robert Adams sentenced him to 24 months prison, suspended for 24 months and ordered him to undertake a six month alcohol treatment programme. He must also do a six month mental health treatment programme alongside a two year probation requirement.
