James Wilson, a 22-year-old man, from Darlington, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of brutal crimes against a woman he controlled and tormented for over five years. The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, leaving the victim with lasting physical and emotional scars.
The Reign of Terror:
Wilson’s reign of terror began with physical and mental abuse. He regularly attacked the woman, using his fists, feet, and even pyramid rings to inflict maximum harm. On one occasion, he fractured her foot with a baseball bat, causing severe swelling and pain.
But the violence didn’t stop there. Wilson escalated to sexual assaults, repeatedly subjecting the woman to rape. He isolated her from her family, controlling every aspect of her life. Her parents’ house was targeted, and Wilson even posted intimate photos of her on social media.
The Legal Battle:
Despite a restraining order, Wilson continued his abuse. He threatened the woman with a shotgun if she contacted the police. However, justice caught up with him. In January last year, he was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including rape, grievous bodily harm, and coercive behaviour.
In court, Wilson denied the charges, but the evidence was overwhelming. He was found guilty on all counts after a crown court trial.
The Victim’s Struggle:
The woman’s victim impact statement revealed the devastating impact of Wilson’s actions. She suffers from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Nightmares and flashbacks haunt her, and she constantly checks doors, fearing his return.
Judge Chris Smith described Wilson as a “dangerous young man.”
