Michael Jones (Image: North Wales Police)
Last Updated: 5 minutes ago
A Belfast man has been sentenced to two years and ten months in prison after admitting to years of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner, as well as sending an indecent image to a second victim.
Michael Jones, 41, of Willowbank Gardens, Belfast, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday, 20 April. He was also handed lifetime restraining orders to protect both victims.
The charges
Jones had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, and sending a photograph of his genitals to a second victim in March this year with the intention of causing alarm, distress or humiliation.
Years of control
The court heard that Jones’s abusive behaviour towards his partner began in 2014, not long after the couple started their relationship. He grew increasingly jealous and possessive, frequently making unfounded accusations of infidelity. He controlled her finances, cut her off from friends and family, and caused repeated damage to their home while subjecting her to demeaning treatment.
Two violent attacks
On 24 December 2021, Jones turned violent. He grabbed his partner by the hair, forced her to the ground, spat in her face and kicked her in the stomach before damaging her car.
A second assault followed on 28 December 2024, when Jones punched his partner, threw her into a door, and kicked her repeatedly. He then spat in her face and threw her across the room.
Coming forward
The victim reported Jones to North Wales Police in March this year. Even after the relationship had ended, she continued to receive abusive messages and threats from him. He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.
Police response
Investigating officer DC Annie Britton said: “I commend the victim for her courage to report over a decade of abusive behaviour and supporting the investigation throughout.
“Despite ending the relationship, the victim continued to receive messages of abuse and threats from Jones, including a threat to stab her I the neck.
“Nobody should live in fear or ever be made to feel unsafe in their home.
“We remain fully committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice.
“Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned for the welfare of someone else, is urged to contact us – we will listen, we will support you and we will act.”
