Stephen Auton, 28, of Homer Grove, has been locked up for 27 months after brutally attacking a woman in Hartlepool. The court heard he punched the woman multiple times and wrecked her property in a terrifying rage.
Outburst sparked by late return from work
The violence erupted on Saturday, 23 August, when the victim came home later than usual. Auton refused to leave despite her pleas, then lashed out—slapping her, pushing her into a door, causing a hand injury, and smashing her TV.
Before leaving, he even grabbed a CCTV camera from the house and never returned it.
Assault continues with shocking return visit
Days later, in the early hours of 28 August, Auton stormed back, woke the woman, ripped her t-shirt, and punched her in the face. She suffered injuries to her eyes and head, a concussion, bruising, and needed hospital treatment and hand surgery.
Tragically, a child living in the home witnessed the savage scenes.
Justice served as Auton was jailed
After being charged, Auton pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on 6 March. He was convicted of two counts of actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.
“Auton subjected the woman to violent and horrific physical and mental abuse that on occasions took place in front of her child,” said Detective Constable Jack Ellner.
