Man jailed for 'relentless abuse' of partner

Winton's former partner said she had suffered "constant violence" from him during a period of nearly two years

A man who police have described as a "monster" has been jailed for the violent abuse of his partner.

Anthony Winton, 44, of Eastborough, Scarborough, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between July 2023 and April 2025.

In a statement read out in court, Winton's victim described how she had "lived in fear" for her life "every hour of the day".

At York Crown Court on Wednesday, Winton was sentenced to five years in jail and was given a 15-year restraining order.

In her victim impact statement, Winton's former partner told the court: "I have suffered constant violence, resulting in broken bones, bruises, strangulation, and complete control of every aspect of my life.

"I lived in fear for my life for every hour of the day and I still do," she added.

She said her fears had prevented her revealing to others the extent of what she was facing, and that silence had persisted despite several agencies raising concerns with police.

North Yorkshire Police said Winton had been issued with Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) with strict conditions not to contact the victim, yet he had defied these orders on at least one occasion.

In one incident, police found Winton in his victim's flat, sat in a chair with a large knife beside him

Police said during one incident in March this year, Winton's victim had fled to a nearby pub for safety after he took her phone and keys and held a knife to her throat.

At the time, she refused to say who had assaulted her, but officers searched her flat and found Winton, seated alone, facing the door with a large kitchen knife beside him.

Officers also responded to reports of a domestic incident in April where Winton claimed only he and another man were present, but the victim was discovered in the bathroom, hiding for her safety.

They found a DVPO was in place against him and he was arrested.

Police said that at this point, the victim revealed to officers the extent of the abuse she had suffered.

'Too terrified'

Det Con Alfie Thomlinson, from North Yorkshire Police, said Winton had subjected his victim to "relentless abuse, including daily violent assaults, one of which caused a spiral fracture to her arm, alongside ongoing controlling and coercive behaviour".

She had been left "too terrified" to speak out and feared Winton would kill her if she did, he said.

"The victim eventually found the courage to come forward and share her story with police, exposing the truth behind the lies Winton had long perpetuated."

In her statement, Winton's victim said she still continued to struggle with "normal everyday activities" which she had not been able do freely when with him.

She also described how sudden shouting would send her into a panic and how her sleep had been deeply affected.

"I now understand that he is in prison because of his own actions, not because of anything I did," she added.

"I can finally see that the abuse I suffered was never my fault. It was Anthony's."

'Incredible courage'

Det Con Thomlinson said the victim had "demonstrated immense bravery in recounting the horrific abuse she endured at Winton's hands".

The officer said he hoped the "victim can now begin to live freely, safe from assault, abuse and the constant fear of being killed by Anthony Winton".

He said he wanted to thank her for her "incredible courage in standing up to this monster".

"Her strength and determination are truly inspiring, and I hope it empowers other victims to come forward and report their abusers to the police."

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