By james art The victim also suffered a fractured ankle after Mark Sturmey brutally stomped on her leg during the incident in March this year.
The victim, feeling scared and in need of help, turned to the North East Ambulance, who quickly alerted the police.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she was assaulted by the 59-year-old. Two years earlier he had also repeatedly punched her in the head and thrown a picture frame and a bottle of brown beer at her, a hearing at Durham Crown Court was told.
The brave victim came forward to police after the latest attack and Sturmey was charged and remanded in custody with a Section 18 charge of wounding with intent and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Although the incidents were captured on CCTV, Sturmey continued to deny the crime and was scheduled to go on trial in August before suddenly changing his plea.
Sturmey, from Consett, was jailed for five years and three months for what the judge described as a “horrific” attack.
His victim was also remanded indefinitely.
Investigating Constable Ashley Marsden, from Consett Safeguarding Team, praised the victim for coming forward and working with officers to secure a conviction.
She said: “These were horrific and completely unprovoked attacks which left the victim fearing for her life.
“She showed incredible courage in coming forward and reporting the abuse and we hope she can now start to rebuild her life.
“If you have been a victim of abuse, please call us day or night. We believe you and you will be heard.”
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To report the experience, call Durham Police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.
If you are more comfortable reporting online, you can visit Durham Police’s online reporting page by clicking here. If you’re not ready to talk to the police, there are other services that can help.
Local charity Harbor provides support to those experiencing domestic violence. Call 03000 20 25 25 or visit www.myharbour.org.uk