Scarborough man jailed for five years after three years of violent and controlling abuse
Anthony Lee Winton, 44, given restraining order after victim reveals years of harm
A man from Scarborough has been jailed for five years after he subjected his partner to three years of violent, controlling, and coercive abuse, leaving her in fear for her life.
Anthony Lee Winton, 44, of Eastborough, appeared at York Crown Court on 22nd October. He pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between July 2023 and April 2025. The court also imposed a 15-year restraining order.
During their relationship, the woman suffered significant injuries, including a broken arm, repeated assaults and threats to kill her with a knife. Winton controlled many aspects of her life, causing her lasting psychological and physical harm.
Police said the victim did not initially disclose who was responsible for her injuries due to fear, intimidation, and concerns about possible repercussions. Concerns were raised by a number of agencies, and Winton was given Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders, but he breached the conditions and continued to make contact.
In one incident in March 2025, the victim escaped to a nearby pub after Winton took her phone and keys and held a knife to her throat. When officers searched her flat before she returned, they found Winton inside with a large kitchen knife beside him.
In April 2025, police attended another domestic incident at the flat. The victim was found locked in the bathroom, and Winton was arrested for breaching a protection order after officers confirmed her identity.
It was around this time that the victim bravely came forward to police, sharing details of the abuse she'd suffered. Even after Winton’s arrest, the woman was found on at least one occasion with visible injuries, initially claiming she fell but later revealing the true cause.
Winton was ultimately charged with causing grievous bodily harm, controlling and coercive behaviour, and offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and threats to kill. He pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial.
In a statement read out in court, the victim described the constant violence, threats, and control, saying she continues to struggle with daily life and remains afraid even though Winton is now in prison. She said: “I lived in fear for my life for every hour of the day and I still do.”
Detective Constable Alfie Thomlinson, who led the investigation, said: “For years, Anthony Winton subjected the victim to relentless abuse, including daily violent assaults… The victim has demonstrated immense bravery in recounting the horrific abuse she endured at Winton’s hands.”
Winton was sentenced to five years in prison and given a 15-year restraining order.
Support and information about domestic abuse, how to seek help, and how to use Clare’s Law to check if a partner has a history of abuse is available on North Yorkshire Police’s website.