Steven Wilson, a homeless man, violently attacked a woman who had allowed him to stay in her home twice within a week. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 47-year-old kicked and bit the victim on one occasion, and later grabbed her by the throat and punched her repeatedly in the face.
Background of the relationship
Prosecutor Ian Cook told the court that the victim had known Wilson since school. He contacted her in October 2025, and she offered him a place to stay because he was homeless. They were not in a romantic relationship, though Wilson disputed this in a pre-sentence report. Cook noted that Wilson was struggling with a cocaine addiction, and the situation began to deteriorate.
The first attack
On January 26, 2026, the victim returned home late from work. Wilson began shouting at her, and when she tried to leave, he pushed her to the ground, kicked her, causing bruises to her thigh, and bit her on the left shoulder.
The second attack
Five days later, on January 31, the victim came home after going out for a drink. Wilson asked where she had been, called her offensive names, then threw her onto a sofa, grabbed her throat, and punched her several times in the face. She managed to escape to the bathroom and called the police. Wilson gave a no-comment reply during his interview.
Court proceedings and sentence
Wilson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He appeared via video link from Durham prison. Defence barrister Nicoleta Alistari said Wilson had a caution for criminal damage during a previous relationship's breakdown and struggled with alcohol and poor mental health.
Recorder Matthew Rose stated: 'In October 2025, you got in touch with her. The following month, she offered you a place to stay. You say you were in fact in a relationship. Whatever the truth was, she let you move into her home at a time when you were in a difficult set of circumstances. She therefore showed you a good deal of hospitality and kindness and sadly you repaid her with violence.'
Wilson was sentenced to eight months in prison but will be released immediately due to time already served on remand. He was also given a five-year restraining order against the victim.
