I am devastated by what he did to me – victim

The police officer investigating the case hopes it gives the confidence for other victims to come forward.

Detective Constable Sara Stewart, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: “This woman has suffered horrific injuries at the hands of Burton and no one should ever be subject to such violent abuse.

“Burton is a dangerous man and the level of injury he has inflicted on the victim clearly shows his true nature.

“The victim absolutely did the right thing by calling the police that night.

“This has given us the opportunity to get Burton off the streets to prevent him attacking the victim again or assaulting anyone else.

“I hope it gives others who may be suffering violence or abuse to come forward. Making that call today could save your life.”

The victim said in an impact statement: “When Steven assaulted me it was a totally unprovoked attack.

“I opened the front door to Steven and he immediately began hitting me. As a result of this I sustained various injuries including a broken left arm which required surgery to pin it back together. I am devastated by what he did to me. I do not want him to be allowed anywhere near me or my home again. “

Anyone who is a victim of abuse is asked to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116.

For more information about domestic abuse and violence advice, search Northumbria Police online.

All the webpages have a “hide page” function and there is guidance on deleting your internet history.

If you have concerns about using your own devices, contact a close friend or family member to use their device or use the internet access at a local library. A neighbour who issued threats ended up in court after his heavily-pregnant victim recorded their row on her mobile phone.

Anthony Wallace, 26, warned the woman, who was just days away from giving birth, that he would “punch her face” and “burn her” during the shocking confrontation outside their homes, which were on the same street in Downhill, Sunderland.

Newcastle Crown Court heardtheargument,whichhappened last July, was a result of earliertroublebetweenWallace and the woman’s ex-partner.

Wallace, of Goschen Street, Sunderland, admitted using abusive or threatening behaviour.

The audio recording was played and the victim can be heard saying “I’m heavily pregnant Anth” and “I’m getting induced in two days time, there’s going to be a new baby in here”, while the furious conversation continued.

Wallace was on a suspended sentence for an affray which involved him threatening people at a house with a steak knife.

Judge Sarah Mallett told him: “You visited her home address, shouting and swearing forherex-partnertogooutside.

“You then began to make accusations against her and threaten and insult her, including threatening to punch her face and threatening to burn her. She recorded the conversation and I have heard it.

“She was heavily pregnant at the time. It is totally wrong to be using threats like that in any circumstancesandinthattone, let alone to a heavily pregnant woman in her own home.”

Judge Mallett sentenced Wallace to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with rehabilitation requirements and a five-year restraining order.

The court heard he had made real progress with the help of the probation service andthejudgesaidheseemedto be “heading in the right direction” since the offence.

JessicaSlaughter,defending, said he accepts his behaviour was “inappropriate” and wants to work with the authorities to stayawayfromtroubleinfuture.