Wearside domestic abuser jailed
‘This is what happens when you don’t do what you’re told’ – the words of serial domestic abuser Dominic Phillips
‘This is what happens when you don’t do what you’re told’ – those are the words of serial domestic abuser Dominic Phillips after fracturing a woman’s spine and pelvis with his van.
Forty-year-old Phillips was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court this morning for a string of domestic abuse offences committed against two women.
Both women were ex-partners of Phillips and reported the abuse after their respective relationships had concluded as they were in fear of the abuse escalating.
In 2024, one victim-survivor came forward to Northumbria Police to report the physical and coercively controlling behaviour she had experienced by Phillips some years prior.
The abuse included Phillips punching her in the face as she attempted to end the relationship as well as bursting her lip on another occasion.
The abuse culminated in an assault during which Phillips drove his vehicle at the woman, pinning her against a wall, fracturing her spine and pelvis.
Phillips then attempted to justify the assault by telling her: ‘this is what happens when you don’t do as you’re told’.
In a subsequent relationship, Phillips again used his car to threaten the second victim-survivor, driving at speed towards a wall before braking at the last moment because he was angry.
He then drove the woman to Hendon Beach cliffs – before assaulting her, strangling her by putting his elbow and his knee on her neck until she passed out, then threatening to drive them both off the edge.
He later also threatened her with a knife – before locking her inside his house. The woman managed to escape the address and drive herself home.
She then called a friend to take her to hospital who described her as having been left in a ‘terrible state’.
Both victim-survivors came forward separately to make reports of domestic abuse, and Phillips was arrested and questioned.
During interview, Phillips denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was lost in the dark and didn’t mean to scare the woman – following the report from Hendon Beach.
He also alleged he couldn’t remember the circumstances around the incident where he struck the victim-survivor with his van. When asked whether he was with the woman at the time the assault took place, he replied ‘I couldn’t tell you’.
Despite his denials, Phillips, of Grey Terrace, Sunderland, was charged with a string of domestic abuse-related offences in relation to both cases.
He attended Newcastle Crown Court in January and March this year where he pleaded guilty to offences involving both victim-survivors.
The offences included controlling or coercive behaviour, two counts of intentional strangulation, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, putting a person in fear of violence, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He returned to the same court this morning where he was handed a seven-year prison sentence. He will also spend a further four years on extended licence once he is released from custody.
As part of the sentence, he was also handed two restraining orders to protect both victim-survivors.
In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) provided to the court, the first woman described the lasting impact of Phillips’ offending.
She said: “The negative impact this man has had on my life throughout the duration of our relationship, and continued to this day, is something I would never wish on anyone.
“I have never truly experienced pain like having my pelvis and spine broken. I remember seeing myself the morning after the incident, as I struggled to get to the toilet. My whole face was white with pain and shock. An image that I’ll never forget.
“It’s not just the pain, but the fear I had. Worry that if I speak up and tell the truth, what will he do to me next?
“Having to live with that, while he and his friends made derogatory marks about the injuries left me feeling humiliated and deeply regretful that I didn’t report this sooner.”
She continued: “I was always left thinking that I can’t believe someone who they’re supposed to have loved can inflict so much pain on them with no inch of remorse in their body.
“Whilst I’ve healed physically and feel much stronger, the mental wounds from the trauma I endured remain. This experience has permanently changed my outlook on life and on people.
“Talking about the abuse has been difficult, but I feel so proud that I am finally able to speak the truth after so many years of silence.
“I am so grateful that I was able to escape Dominic and his control.
“Whilst the impact of his actions remains, it has given me a sense of courage and relief knowing that I have played a part of protecting other potential women in the future by showing what lengths this man will go to if something doesn’t go his way.”
The second-victim survivor described how she was ‘terrified’ of Phillips and what he was capable of.
She said: “This traumatic incident has had a profound and lasting impact on every aspect of my life – mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.
“My life has fundamentally changed as a direct result of what was done to me.
“I have been left with a visible scar on my forehead that is unlikely to ever fade. The injury is a permanent reminder of the violence I suffered.
“Since the attack, my mental health has deteriorated severely. I struggle to sleep and regularly experience vivid nightmares in which I relive the incident.”
She continued: “The psychological impact has been overwhelming. Perhaps most damaging of all is the loss of trust this incident has caused. I no longer trust people, my surroundings, or my own sense of safety.
“Ordinary situations that once felt normal now feel threatening. I question everyone and everything, and this has left me feeling isolated and vulnerable.
“What happened to me, and others before me, at the hands of Dominic Phillips, must not be allowed to happen again. The effects of his attack will remain with me for the rest of my life.”
Leading the investigation from Northumbria Police was Detective Constable Jonathan Doyle.
Speaking after Phillips’ sentencing, he said: “Dominic Phillips is a bully who has inflicted the most horrific abuse on these two women.
“I can’t even imagine how terrified they must have been when they went through these ordeals.
“I am so grateful that they both decided to come forward and report their abuser to police – meaning he has now had his day in court and is in prison where he belongs.”
He continued: “To anyone out there who may have experienced any form of domestic abuse – whether it was a physical assault, or coercive control – please know we are here for you and we want to support you.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and you can make a report even if your relationship has just ended or ended a long time ago.
“Now everyone knows exactly what this man is capable of and the type of person he really is.”
Det Con Doyle added: “Please remember there are also schemes in place where you can find out if a partner, or prospective partner, has a history of domestic abuse.
“The scheme is called Clares’ Law – and it could change your life.
Anyone who needs to support with domestic abuse, can find support links on Northumbria Police's website.
If a crime is ongoing, or someone is at risk, always call 999.