Man who repeatedly slapped a woman in South Shields ordered to attend domestic abuse course

An offender who repeatedly slapped a woman after she attacked him in South Tyneside must better learn how to deal with relationships, a judge has ordered.

District Judge Zoe Passfield told Harry Wilson, 30, he must complete the Probation Service-run Building Better Relationships programme as part-punishment.

The course is designed for men who display aggression towards their partners and is aimed at reducing domestic abuse.

Wilson, of Shipley Gardens, Kenton, Newcastle, lashed out at a location in South Shields on Saturday, March 2, the borough’s magistrates’ court heard.

Prosecutor Lillian Yanes Hellevik said the victim had not given a statement to police about the attack.

But she added: “The incident was captured on CCTV. It showed the defendant repeatedly slapping her head.

“When he was searched, he was found with a snap bag which had a small amount of a white powder.

“The complainant hasn’t been supportive, but the CCTV shows that she was clearly distressed.

“There has been confirmation from the complainant that she doesn’t require a restraining order.”

Wilson pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and possession of a controlled class A substance.

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He has 14 previous convictions from 20 offences, the most recent being in 2022 and his last for violence in 2014.

Jason Smith, defending, said: “The lady has confirmed that she doesn’t require a restraining order in any shape or form.

“This incident starts with her hitting him. It doesn’t excuse but that’s the reality.”

Judge Passfield sentenced Wilson to an 18-month community order, with 15 rehabilitation days and Building Better Relationships.

He must also pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

The judge made no comment on Wilson’s latest offences but noted his last conviction for violence was a decade ago.