Sunderland Woman shouts for Alexa to call police as ex turns violent in home

A terrified woman shouted for her Alexa smart device to contact police after her ex-partner launched a violent attack in her Wearside home, a court heard.

Jordan Winship, 33, from Brenda Road, Hartlepool, had gone to his former partner’s house in Sunderland in January 2024, weeks after the pair had split on Christmas Eve 2023. The two shared drinks before an argument erupted — and the situation quickly turned violent.

Prosecutor Daisy Wrigley told Newcastle Crown Court that the woman barricaded herself in the bathroom, using her body weight to keep the door closed while Winship punched and kicked it repeatedly, causing damage.

“She shouted to her Alexa device to try and get help from the police,” Miss Wrigley said.
“She realised the defendant had moved away from the bathroom, so she opened the door — only to see him unplug the Alexa and throw it across the room.”

Around half an hour later, the victim was in her bedroom when Winship punched her in the face, leaving her with bruising, a scratch, and a red eye.

“She mocked his punch,” the prosecutor added, “so he punched her a second time — harder — and then a third time.”

Police arrived soon after and found Winship hiding face-down in a nearby garden.

Winship admitted assault and criminal damage. The court was not told whether Alexa had successfully contacted the police or if someone else had called them.

Defending, Jason Smith said Winship — a delivery driver earning £500 a week — had never been in trouble before and was “ashamed” of his actions.

“After the initial punch, the victim told him he ‘wasn’t a man’. He knows he behaved appallingly,” Mr Smith said.

Judge Robert Adams sentenced Winship to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation programme requirements and a £500 compensation order.