David Smith, aged 40 from Brandling Court in North Shields, has been jailed for four years following a series of abusive and violent acts against his former partner, Louise Sutherland-Knowles. The abuse began after the couple started their relationship in 2018 and escalated from controlling behaviour to physical and sexual violence. Smith employed manipulative tactics, threats, and infidelity to dominate Louise, alienating her from friends and family.
The relationship ended in 2022, but Smith's harassment persisted through unwanted texts, calls, emails, and uninvited visits to Louise's home and workplace. Concerned for her daughter's safety, Louise's mother reported Smith to Northumbria Police for stalking in December 2022, initiating the first of three investigations. Despite bail conditions, Smith breached them by scaling a six-foot fence and attempting to break into Louise's home at around 2am, armed with a large knife, while she slept with her children inside. He was startled by a neighbour and fled but was quickly arrested after Louise contacted the police.
During her police interview the following day, Louise disclosed a specific incident of sexual assault on 7 May 2022, when Smith, in a rage after throwing his phone and pizza against a wall, pinned her against the wall, smashed pizza into her face, and assaulted her by penetration. In February 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to stalking and received a restraining order. Later that year in September, he was charged with possession of a pointed article and criminal damage related to the knife incident, pleading guilty at Newcastle Crown Court on 7 May 2024.
Following a thorough investigation by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department, Smith faced additional charges in April 2025 for assault by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. On 21 July 2025, at Newcastle Crown Court, he was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for the combined sexual, assault, and knife-related offences. The sentence includes an extended three years on licence post-release, with eligibility for parole only after serving at least two-thirds of the custodial term. Smith was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and issued a six-year restraining order to safeguard Louise.
Detective Constable Leasa Banks, who led the investigation, described Smith as 'a violent and abusive man who manipulates, becoming dangerous when he doesn’t get what he wants.' She praised Louise's bravery in reporting the offences, noting that it exposed Smith as 'a domestic abuser, a stalker, and a sex offender.' The case underscores the complexities of domestic abuse, with Louise detailing in her statement how Smith's control started subtly with criticism of her clothing and escalated to hiding her belongings and monitoring her communications, all while he conducted multiple affairs.