Woman uses PlayStation to send help message during attack by violent man in County Durham, leading to arrest and sentencing.
Sean Gibson attacked her often, according to police. He pinned her down and restricted her breath. The woman felt like she would die and used a PlayStation to message a friend, asking her to call 999.
Police responded to the 999 call, and Durham Constabulary quickly arrested Gibson. They found him at a house in Langley Park, County Durham.
Gibson, 34, was called “violent” by police and faced charges for assault, strangulation, and suffocation. He pleaded guilty to all charges in court and received a 27-month prison sentence at Durham Crown Court.
The victim had several injuries, including swelling to her jaw and burst blood vessels, said police. Detective Elizabeth Garfoot urged other abuse victims to get help.
Garfoot stated the victim showed bravery and quick thinking, and her abuser is now jailed for a long time. She said the sentence may never be enough, and she hopes the victim can move on and leave trauma behind. Garfoot wants abuse victims to know they aren’t alone, adding that police will always listen.