A Child Destructor, Brian Wardropper from Fencehouses, released from a life sentence, “flipped” and strangled a woman while issuing death threats.
Brian Wardropper was initially sentenced to life imprisonment in 1999 for crimes of injuring with intent and child damage.
Brian Wardropper has returned to incarceration following a harrowing assault on a woman with whom he had a prior relationship.
The Newcastle Crown Court was informed that the victim had been acquainted with Brian Wardropper for around five years, since he resided adjacent to her aunt in Houghton-le-Spring.
On April 6, 2024, the woman arrived at his residence when he became aggressive.
Ryan Donoghue, representing the prosecution, informed Newcastle Crown Court: “At this juncture, he became aggressive, approached her face, shoved her onto the sofa, positioned himself with his legs on either side of her, and encircled her neck with both hands.
“She saw his grip intensify. She believed she was on the verge of losing consciousness and even dying. He exclaimed, ‘I am going to kill you,’ while performing this action. It endured for several minutes.
She was grappling with him, attempting to extricate herself from his hold. He commenced striking her in the face multiple times with his fist.
Brian Wardropper subsequently rose and exclaimed, “What have I done,” prior to attempting self-harm.
The woman escaped and boarded a bus; nevertheless, Brian Wardropper pursued her, took a seat beside her, and disembarked when she did. She instructed him to desist from pursuing her; but, he persisted and struck her once more before she managed to escape.
She sustained periorbital discolouration, facial contusions, abrasions and erythema on her neck, and a contusion on her back. She subsequently expressed that she felt “terrified,” but later issued a reversal, stating that she cares for him, harbours no ill emotions, does not believe he will harm her again, and does not wish for him to be incarcerated.
The court was informed that he has 20 prior convictions and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of eight years in 1999 for wounding with intent and child destruction. In 2019, he was convicted of assault and obstructing law enforcement.
Brian Wardropper, from Fencehouses, admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm and strangulation, resulting in an 18-month imprisonment imposed by Judge Stephen Earl.
Jamie Adams, in defence, stated that the victim and individuals associated with Brian Wardropper continue to express their support for him.
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