A Shildon man received a 16-month jail sentence for attacking and harassing his ex-wife in Darlington after their divorce.
The prosecutor, Dan Wilberforce, described the first event. In November 2023, King got angry at his wife’s work call. He smashed her things, worth about £100. Then, he pinned her against the stair wall. She ran and barricaded herself in her bedroom.
From August to November 2024, they were divorcing. King sent abusive calls and messages to his wife. He went to her Darlington home and forced entry. He grabbed her in a bear hug, then let her go. He searched the rooms, thinking someone else was there.
His wife escaped in her car. King left in a taxi but kept calling her. King, 40, has prior convictions dating back to 2006. The relevant one was for criminal damage back in 2013. The prosecutor said King’s harassment was “persistent.” His wife needed lifestyle changes to avoid him.
Reece Williams defended King. He said King admitted the charges right away. King feels sorry for his actions. He knows their relationship ended badly, said Williams. They were married ten years, together for thirteen. King’s mental health declined, said Williams.
They lived in Texas but moved back to the UK. He felt alone, away from his child in the south. Their marriage became an unhealthy situation. King knows his messages were wrong. He is aware his actions had big impact on his ex-wife.
King sought help, said Mr. Williams. Prison has been a “terrifying experience” for him. But, he’s worked in the kitchen. He helps with the prison’s drug and alcohol team now. King takes medicine for his depression as well.
Williams added that King knows the relationship is over. It’s the best for both, so they can move on. King plans to live with his mother down south. He wants to be close to his son. He is a carpenter, and will find work.
Judge Jo Kidd read the Probation report on King. She did not think it looked good at all. Williams agreed that King did not articulate himself well. He simply said their relationship was unhealthy. It did not make for pleasant reading.
Judge Kidd told King his attacks were “most unpleasant.” His “erratic behavior” could have led to worse charges. His actions had a psychological effect on his wife. She has sleepless nights, flashbacks, and feels “a wreck”.
The judge gave King a 16-month prison sentence. She could not suspend the sentence due to the impact. She issued a restraining order, lasting five years. He cannot contact his ex-wife or go to certain places in Darlington.