Man who assaulted wife gets 27 months in prison

The court heard James Wilson had convictions for violence in previous relationships

A man who assaulted and injured his wife following a row, causing her to fear he may kill her, has been given a 27-month prison sentence.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that James Wilson, 45, of no fixed abode, admitted actual bodily harm assault after attacking the woman at an address in the city.

Police became involved after she shared photos of her injuries with her mother.

Sentencing Wilson, Judge Nicholas Barker said of the woman: "There is no doubt this was a prolonged and persistent assault upon her in her own home."

The court heard Wilson and the woman had been in a 10-year relationship, which was described as "toxic".

On 17 December 2022, both had been drinking and an argument developed.

At 16:30 GMT Wilson went to the shop and returned with flowers for his wife to apologise for the earlier row.

The court heard the woman replied: "I don’t want your poxy flowers."

'I can't see'

Prosecutor Martyn Walsh said: "He struck her with the flowers and in the middle of the flowers was a wooden stake which hit her in the forehead and eye.

"She describes being concerned he was going to try to kill her."

As the woman told him "I can't see", Wilson repeatedly punched her torso and leg area.

The woman believed she lost consciousness.

In an impact statement, the woman described losing confidence following the attack and of her mental health being affected by the relationship.

The court heard Wilson had previous convictions for violence in past relationships, and in 2019 he was given a 63-month jail term for stabbing a man on a Carlisle street.