Hartlepool thug jailed for eight years for stabbing pregnant partner

Christopher Sowerby, 25, knifed the woman in her shoulder and abdomen and also kicked her in the head in the shocking attack.

She was 11 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident during lockdown on May 2, but luckily the baby was not harmed.

An argument developed between the couple in the early hours of the morning because the victim was texting and Sowerby was accusing her of speaking to other men.

The victim attended Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, September 23, to give evidence about what happened.

Prosecuting barrister Ian West said: “The defendant went downstairs and came back up.

"There was a tussle over the phone. [The victim] fell to the floor.

"The defendant kicked her in the head and then produced a knife and stabbed her twice, one at the top of her left shoulder and once on the left side of her abdomen causing wounds.

"He then ran out of the house.”

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Fortunately, the woman’s injuries were not serious with one needing stitches and the other was left to heal by itself.

Sowerby, of Suggitt Street, Hartlepool, admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He disputed that he had gone to the kitchen to get the knife, saying it was one he kept under the bed for intruders and also disputed kicking the woman in the head.

But the judge, Recorder Richard Woolfall, was satisfied he did both.

Sowerby was also given a 15-year restraining against his former partner.

Detective Constable Caroline Baker, of Cleveland Police, said it was a terrifying ordeal.

She said: “He put two lives in danger during this attack and his actions are completely unforgivable.

“Thankfully the victim and the baby are OK but this incident will no doubt have a lifelong impact on the victim’s life.”

DC Baker added the force will do all it can to help domestic abuse victims.

Call 101 or in cases of emergency always dial 999. If you are unable to speak because an abuser is present dial 55 when prompted by the call operator and cough, tap and stay on the line to communicate you need police help.

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