Homeless man violently attacked woman who let him stay with her twice in less than a week
Steven Wilson was sentenced to eight months in prison but will be released immediately
A homeless man violently attacked a woman who let him stay in her home twice in less than a week. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Steven Wilson kicked the woman and bit her when she came home late from work.
Five days later, the 47-year-old called her offensive names after she went out for a drink. He grabbed her by the throat and punched her several times to the face.
Ian Cook, prosecuting, told the court how the victim had known Wilson since school and he got in touch with her in October last year. He said: "(The victim) offered him a place to stay. He was homeless at the time.
"They were not in a relationship, they were just friends. That seems to be disputed by the defendant in the pre-sentence report."
The prosecutor said things started to change between them and the Wilson became angry with her. He said: "He was struggling with an addiction to cocaine."
The court heard how on January 26 this year the victim got home late from work and Wilson started to shout at her. When she went to leave the property, he pushed her to the ground and kicked her, causing bruises to her thigh.
Mr Cook said he then continued the assault by biting her on the left shoulder. Five days later, on January 31 this year, the victim returned home after going out for a drink.
The court heard how Wilson asked where she had been and called her a s**g and a tart. Mr Cook said: "He threw the victim onto the settee, got on top of her, grabbing her by the throat with his right hand and punching her several times to the face with the other hand."
The victim managed to get to the bathroom and called the police. When interviewed, Wilson gave a no comment reply.
Wilson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He appeared in the courtroom to be sentenced via a video link to Durham prison.
Nicoleta Alistari, defending, told the court that Wilson is a man of good character apart from a caution which he received for criminal damage at the time when his previous relationship was degrading.
She said: "The defendant was in some difficulty at the time of the offending. I understand he does have a problem with alcohol and his mental health was poor, perhaps due to that to a significant extent."
Recorder Matthew Rose told Wilson: "In October 2025, you got in touch with her. The following month, she offered you a place to stay. You say you were in fact in a relationship.
"Whatever the truth was, she let you move into her home at a time when you were in a difficult set of circumstances. She therefore showed you a good deal of hospitality and kindness and sadly you repaid her with violence."
Recorder Rose sentenced Wilson to eight months in prison. He will be released immediately due to the time he has already served on remand.
Wilson was also handed a five-year restraining order against the victim.
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