Thug Jailed 19 Months for Violent Partner Attack

A controlling partner who locked his victim in a bedroom before punching and elbowing her in the face has been sentenced to 19 months in prison.

Joseph Rothwell, 43, of Eastville Road, Toynton St Peter, Lincolnshire, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour at Mold Crown Court today (Monday).

The court heard Rothwell became violent after seeing a notification from his partner’s ex on her phone in August 2023. Prosecuting, Simon Parry said: “The defendant was telling her he would kill her.” The victim told police: “She saw stars and was unsure whether she had passed out” during the attack.

Rothwell also threatened to burn her house down with her in it and to “snap her neck” in front of her mum, as well as threatening her mother and daughter.

In an emotional victim impact statement, she said: “I don’t recognise myself. I am just not me any more.”

The court heard Rothwell had 28 convictions for 43 offences, including damage, threatening behaviour, assault, and affray.

Defence barrister Elen Owen said Rothwell was genuinely remorseful and had endured a violent childhood before going into care. He now works with a travelling circus.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Mills said: “Over a period of time your behaviour towards her was truly dreadful.” Only a custodial sentence was appropriate given his bad criminal record and history of failing to comply with orders.

Rothwell was also given a seven-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.