A VICIOUS thug who tried to pull out his girlfriend’s teeth with metal pliers during a campaign of horrific domestic abuse has been jailed.
Jack Robson, 21, used a pair of mole grips to try and yank out his partner’s teeth and made her choose a drill, which he said he would use to take her eye out.
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Durham Crown Court heard Robson also kicked, punched and bit the survivor, causing her to lose consciousness on multiple occasions during their relationship.
Robson, of County Durham, would hold her against her will and made numerous threats – claiming he would kill her, her family or her pets if she ever left him.
The vile thug would also control her movements and finances, making her delete all her social media apps and games on her phone and would monitor her text messages.
The brave survivor eventually sought medical assistance after the assault with the mole grips on May 17 and came forward to police.
Durham Constabulary said she met with their safeguarding department where she courageously disclosed her harrowing ordeal.
Robson, of Leadgate, was arrested, interviewed and later charged with intentional strangulation and grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was jailed for four years and also issued with a restraining order at Durham Crown Court on Friday.
Investigative Officer Ashley Marsden, from the West Safeguarding team, said: “The courage and strength shown by the woman has been truly commendable – her support for our investigation has resulted in Robson being put behind bars.
“The sentencing will not take away the pain and horrific memories of what happened however I hope it will enable her to start to move forward.
“If you have had a similar experience, please tell us – you will be listened to.
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“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.
“I believe you. We believe you.”
Durham Constabulary can be contacted on 101, on 999 in an emergency or online.
The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free confidential healthcare and support while charity Harbour can be contacted at www.myharbour.org.uk.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
