Domestic abuser dislocated partner's shoulder

66-year-old jailed for three years four months

Report by BBC Isle of Man

A man who abused and assaulted his partner, leaving her with a dislocated shoulder and blunt force trauma injuries, has been jailed for more than three years.

Wilson White, 66, of Douglas, pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Douglas Courthouse heard he had also dragged the victim by the hair, verbally abused her and hit her after a family event.

In a victim impact statement the woman said his actions had "devastated" her and shattered her confidence.

On 8 September 2023 White arrived home from work and began drinking before complaining about an impending visit from his partner's adult children.

They had decided to travel to the Island after being concerned for her welfare.

The court heard White was verbally and physically abusive to her, later dragging her by the hair across the floor telling her, "You're not welcome here" and leaving her to struggle to get herself into bed.

The next day when her children arrived they called an ambulance and paramedics notified police.

At the hospital a doctor confirmed her dislocated shoulder and recorded bruises on her wrists, shins, abdomen and other injuries as a result of blunt force trauma.

The prosecutor told the court of previous incidents including on a trip to Belfast where the Police Service of Northern Ireland found a hostel room for the woman after White had become abusive and another occasion when he hit her at her sister's home following a family event.

They added that the woman had said White did not like her going out with friends and that his behaviour left her feeling "depressed" and "reliant on him".

In her statement read to the court she said the September incident was "not the first time he hit me, but it was the last time".

She added that she had been "willing to go to court and stand up to him" before he changed his plea a few weeks before his trial earlier this year.

White's advocate said he was "alcohol dependent" and "ashamed" of his behaviour.

Deemster Graeme Cook told White his actions were "appalling" before adding "how any human being can treat and speak to another human being in that manner is beyond my imagination".

White was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and will be subject to a domestic abuse protection order indefinitely.