Midland Bully Beat Pregnant Girlfriend to Cause Miscarriage, Court Hears
A court has heard harrowing details of how a Midland bully beat his pregnant girlfriend with the intention of causing her to lose their baby. Samuel Wilton, aged 24, was described as 'controlling' throughout their short relationship, which lasted from March to October last year.
Pattern of Abuse and Coercive Control
Prosecutor Jo Fox told North Staffordshire Justice Centre that Wilton 'berated' his victim and 'demanded' sex regularly. The defendant also frequently asked her for money to fund his drug habit, pushing her into severe financial difficulties. She even considered shoplifting to feed her baby as a result of this financial pressure.
The abuse extended to invasions of privacy, with Wilton taking her phone and entering the bathroom while she showered. The victim felt she had no privacy whatsoever, which led her to stop taking care of herself, including avoiding showers to escape his persistent demands for sex.
Victim's Impact Statement Reveals Lasting Trauma
In a powerful statement read to the court, the victim detailed the profound impact of Wilton's actions:
- She suffers frequent panic attacks and nightmares.
- Her confidence has been severely diminished as she regularly re-lives the abuse.
- She worried about the safety of her unborn daughter after Wilton tried to punch her in the stomach to induce a miscarriage.
- Her daughter witnessed much of the abuse, including frequent threatening calls to the victim's mother.
The victim expressed a desire to ensure Wilton can never make another woman or her family feel this way again. A Claire’s Law search revealed he had a history of similar behavior.
Threats to Victim's Family While on Bail
While on bail, Wilton made a series of threatening phone calls to the victim's mother on October 30. The mother described how the family's life had been ruined, noting that her granddaughter now asks if doors are locked for fear of the 'bad guy' getting in. The family had to call 999 after another threatening call, highlighting the ongoing terror they experienced.
Defense Arguments and Legal Proceedings
Defending, Nicola Bell argued that Wilton's traumatic upbringing, including abuse and time in foster care, contributed to his actions. She cited his age, the relationship's brevity, and his lack of relationship experience as mitigating factors, stating his time in custody had already impacted him through bullying and assault.
Wilton admitted to assault by beating, engaging in coercive and controlling behavior, and intimidating a witness. Magistrates have deferred sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to a later date, and Wilton, of Barrie Gardens, Kidsgrove, remains remanded in custody.
