Stoke-on-Trent Man Avoids Jail After Years of Violent Abuse Towards Pregnant Partner
A Stoke-on-Trent man who subjected his girlfriend to a prolonged campaign of violent and controlling behaviour, including punching her while she was pregnant, has walked free from court with a suspended sentence.
Years of Terror and Control
David Proctor, 42, of Holyhead Crescent in Weston Coyney, left his former partner "petrified" during their relationship which spanned several years. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard harrowing details of Proctor's behaviour, which included:
- Repeatedly punching his partner in the face and body
- Spitting in her face during arguments
- Grabbing and squeezing her cheeks during confrontations
- Accusing her of infidelity while he was seeing other women
- Preventing her from having her best friend present at the birth of their child
Violence During Pregnancy
Prosecutor Syed Ahmed told the court that the abuse escalated when the victim became pregnant. "She was petrified that the defendant was going to harm her unborn child," Mr Ahmed stated. The court heard that Proctor would:
- Chase her around the house to retrieve steroids he was taking
- Grab her and throw her on the bed when she attempted to flush the tablets
- Pinch her arms, torso and stomach region while she was pregnant
- Punch her three times to her left cheek before spitting in her face in May 2019
Controlling Behaviour Pattern
The controlling nature of the relationship was detailed in court, with Proctor demonstrating:
- Constant messaging and up to 50 missed calls when she attended work events
- Checking her phone and questioning who she had been speaking to
- Threatening to end their relationship as a means of control
- Grabbing her groin area during arguments
In a victim statement read to the court, the woman said the relationship had stripped her of her confidence completely.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Proctor had denied controlling and coercive behaviour between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2020, but was convicted after trial at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. Despite the serious nature of the offences, he received:
- A 21-month suspended prison sentence
- 200 hours of unpaid work
- A 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement
- A 12-month mental health treatment requirement
- An order to pay £750 in costs
Judge's Comments and Defence Arguments
Recorder Robert Smith, sentencing, described Proctor's actions as "absolutely despicable and shameful", particularly noting that "punching a pregnant woman is an absolutely despicable and shameful thing to do." The judge acknowledged that Proctor had behaved as a controlling, overbearing nasty bully towards his victim for four years.
Defence barrister Steve Hennessy argued that Proctor was "embarrassed" to see his actions captured on CCTV and had since moved on with his life. Mr Hennessy told the court that Proctor:
- Has been in a new relationship for five years with no domestic violence concerns
- Lives in stable rented accommodation with his current partner
- Has a supportive family network
- Has stopped using steroids
- Would lose his employment and accommodation if sent to prison
Recorder Smith noted that Proctor appeared to have taken steps to change his life and was now in what seemed to be a healthy relationship, factors which contributed to the suspended sentence decision.
