Swindon man who tied up and physically assaulted his partner - meaning she fractured her back while trying to escape - has been jailed for seven years.
Police were called to the Stratton area of the town on the evening of 29 December 2021 after the victim - Jodie Barnes, 27 - made her way to a neighbour’s house to seek help.
She required hospital treatment for a fractured vertebrae, which had been caused as she fell from a window while trying to escape from her partner.
She told officers she had suffered numerous assaults at the hands of Colin Hawkins, who was arrested by police.
Hawkins, 37, of Cowleaze Walk, Stratton St Margaret, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating.
Yesterday - 11 May - he appeared at Swindon Crown Court and was jailed for a total of seven years. He was also given an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from making any contact with the victim.
Detective Constable Alex Doughty, from Swindon CID, said that Jodie had told police she had been beaten repeatedly, her hands and feet bound with cable ties and her head held under water.
Det Con Doughty said: “This was a horrific case and Jodie’s impact statement outlined how fearful she was of Hawkins and what he would potentially do to her.
“Jodie told us “I am in a permanent state of fight or flight… I am petrified to think what Colin could do. I don’t think I’d make it out alive if he came for me now”.
“Jodie has been so brave throughout this police investigation and court case and I wholeheartedly commend her for coming forward to report such horrific abuse.
“I hope she inspires other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and tell someone about what is happening to them. Please know that there is support out there and we can help keep you safe.
“Hawkins is a violent individual and a convicted domestic abuse perpetrator, who has now received a substantial custodial sentence.
“This case proves how seriously we take this sort of offending and the work we will do to safeguard victims and ensure offenders face justice.”
Wiltshire Police will always urge victims of domestic abuse, including those subjected to controlling and coercive behaviour, to speak to someone about what is happening to them.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Please remember that there is support available, including from the police. You are not alone."
More information, including contact details of charities and relevant organisations can be found at: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/what-is-domestic-abuse/
Officers would also like to remind people about Clare's Law, which is a scheme which gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them.
It also allows anyone to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. Individuals can read more about how to request information at: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/
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