A County Durham man with a history of domestic abuse has admitted assaulting a woman who later told the court she feared he was capable of killing someone.

Garry Blanchard, 54, of Coronation Street North, Murton, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a violent incident that left the victim terrified, shaken and struggling to sleep.

“He doesn’t know his own strength”

In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman said she had been left feeling scared and constantly on edge. She told the court:

“He is a very strong man and doesn’t know his own strength. I don’t want to see him again because of how he treated me and what he is capable of.”

The court heard she believed Blanchard was capable of killing someone, describing the lasting fear and emotional impact of the assault.

History of violence

Prosecutors revealed that Blanchard has previous convictions for battery and harassment, both relating to his ex‑wife. The court was told this history formed part of a pattern of abusive behaviour towards women.

A charge of strangulation was initially listed but was not proceeded with by the prosecution.

Guilty plea and next steps

Blanchard entered a guilty plea to ABH, and the court accepted it. Sentencing will take into account the level of harm, his previous convictions and the ongoing risk he poses.

The victim told the court she continues to struggle with the emotional aftermath of the attack and fears any future contact with him.

TrueNorth News will continue to follow the case as sentencing approaches.