Domestic abuser who beat up and “threw his ex-partner into a dryer” jailed after breaching his restraining order by approaching her in public

A North Tyneside man who attacked his former partner has been jailed after breaching a restraining order by approaching her in public.

Daniel Lumsden, 37, of Cappercallie Lodge, Annitsford, was handed a 12-month prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting to breaching the order, which banned him from contacting his ex or entering specified areas.

Lumsden was originally given a two-year suspended sentence and an indefinite restraining order in 2023 after he repeatedly punched the woman in an unprovoked assault, leaving her bruised and terrified.

The court previously heard he became violent after demanding her phone, grabbing her face, throwing her into a dryer, and raining punches on her as she tried to shield herself.

Despite the court order, on May 9 this year, Lumsden approached the woman and her child near a shop in Annitsford, shouting and passing close by.

Prosecutor Jordan Parkinson said the woman felt intimidated, while defence lawyer Spencer Downey described the incident as a “chance encounter” and claimed there was no deliberate attempt to contact the victim.

Judge Gavin Doig accepted Lumsden had not actively sought out his former partner but said his behaviour still violated court orders and warranted imprisonment.

Lumsden, who has 38 previous convictions for 71 offences, including violent and dishonest crimes, was jailed for 12 months.