A Stockton sex worker launched a violent attack on a homeless man during an attempted robbery, striking him over the head with a heeled boot and leaving him injured and shaken, a court heard.

Gemma Macaulay, who was working in the area at the time, targeted the man in a late-night confrontation that quickly turned violent. Prosecutors said she removed her heeled boot and used it as a weapon, hitting the victim as she tried to rob him.

Victim: “I couldn’t defend myself — I’d never raise my hand to a woman”

The homeless man told the court he felt unable to protect himself during the attack, saying he “couldn’t defend himself” because he would never raise his hand to a woman. He was left bleeding and distressed after the assault.

The court heard that Macaulay continued the attack even as the man pleaded with her to stop. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the victim attempting to shield himself while she struck him repeatedly.

Attempted robbery motive

Prosecutors said the assault was part of an attempted robbery, with Macaulay demanding items from the victim before and during the attack. The man, who had been sleeping rough in the area, had little to give.

The court was told that Macaulay’s behaviour was fuelled by desperation and instability in her personal life, though the judge stressed that this did not excuse the violence used.

Injuries and aftermath

The victim suffered cuts and bruising to his head and face. He later told officers he feared the attack could have been far worse had he not managed to move away from the blows.

Police arrested Macaulay shortly after the incident. She was charged in connection with the assault and attempted robbery, and the case was brought before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Court proceedings

During the hearing, the prosecution outlined the sequence of events and the level of force used. The court heard that Macaulay’s actions were deliberate and sustained, and that the victim was particularly vulnerable due to his circumstances.

Defence representatives acknowledged her involvement in the incident but highlighted her struggles, including her work as a sex worker and the challenges she faced in her personal life. The court was told she had been dealing with addiction, instability and financial hardship.

Sentencing will take into account the seriousness of the attack, the vulnerability of the victim, and Macaulay’s personal circumstances.

Community reaction

The case has sparked strong local reaction, with many expressing shock at the level of violence used against a homeless man who posed no threat. Others have highlighted the wider issues of poverty, addiction and exploitation in Stockton’s street economy.

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